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The American Revolution: A Concise History
Here is a brisk, accessible, and vivid introduction to arguably the most important event in the history of the United States--the American Revolution. Between 1760 and 1800, the American people cast off British rule to create a new nation and a radically new form of government based on the idea that people have the right to govern themselves. In this lively account, Robert Allison provides a cohesive synthesis of the military, diplomatic, political, social, and intellectual aspects of the Revolution, paying special attention to the Revolution's causes and consequences. The book recreates the tumultuous events of the 1760s and 1770s that led to revolution, such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party, as well as the role the Sons of Liberty played in turning resistance into full-scale revolt. Allison explains how and why Americans changed their ideas of government and society so profoundly in these years and how the War for Independence was fought and won. He highlights the major battles and commanders on both sides--with a particular focus on George Washington and the extraordinary strategies he developed to defeat Britain's superior forces--as well as the impact of French military support on the American cause. In the final chapter, Allison explores the aftermath of the American how the newly independent states created governments based on the principles for which they had fought, and how those principles challenged their own institutions, such as slavery, in the new republic. He considers as well the Revolution's legacy, the many ways its essential ideals influenced other struggles against oppressive power or colonial systems in France, Latin America, and Asia. Sharply written and highly readable, The American Revolution offers the perfect introduction to this seminal event in American history.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2011
25 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Allison
69 books15 followersDr. Robert J. Allison is Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston and also teaches history at the Harvard Extension School. He graduated from the Harvard Extension School with an A.L.B. before earning a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization at Harvard in 1992.
Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.
His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.
Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.
Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.
His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.
Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 30, 2020
A really great overview to the causes of the American Revolution, how it unfolded and also the aftermath and how the first government of the United States was formed.
March 26, 2013
I recommend this book to anyone who wants a clear, concise and easy read about the American Revolution. It provided me a good point of departure for additional research. I was able to read the book easily in one day, which is a definite advantage for those of us with busy lives and suspenses to meet.
December 31, 2019
In reading a book like this, I have to take into account that the fact that this book is concise means that it is not likely to say very much of anything that I don't already know from reading a great many books on the subject. That said, it is worthwhile to consider a book like this as being very useful for someone who does not know a great deal about the American Revolution and who wants a quick but informative guide to understanding it as well as possible. I could see a book like this being useful in AP American History courses or undergraduate studies or for those wanting to become citizens or just better citizens. This book does live up to its name--it is rather short, and it is certainly a very good book given its space constraints. There is a certain art in being able to speak or write in a concise manner, and not everyone is well-equipped to deal with essentials that can be spoken of in a limited amount of space that would require books of several times the length to discuss in their full detail.
Coming in at less than 100 pages, this certainly is a concise history. The author manages to cover the history of the American Revolution in five chapters. After beginning with a chronology and a preface and acknowledgements, the book proper begins with a discussion of the origins of the Revolution in the disagreements that took place after the French & Indian War when it became increasingly clear that Britain and the colonies had some substantial disagreements about their place in the imperial order (1). After that the author discusses the rebellion in the colonies, showing how it was that riots and discontent became armed rebellion in the period before 1776 (2). After that there is a discussion of the period after the Declaration of Independence when Washington showed that he could keep his army on the field despite early defeats around New York City (3). After this the author provides a discussion about the expanding course of the war after Saratoga, including the war in the South that ultimately provided decisive (4). Finally, the author spends the last chapter providing a discussion of American exceptionalism, especially as it can be seen with the decision of George Washington to return to his farm rather than become a military dictator as was common in revolutionary situations (5), after which there are suggestions for further reading and an index.
This is a book that is easy to enjoy. It makes few demands on the reader and presents its information very elegantly, and is something that can be read with pleasure by someone who knows enough to know that the book could go into greater detail or discuss things with greater nuance if time and space permitted. But often they do not, and for those who want to know more about the American Revolution but do not want to acquire my own reading habits would do well to read this book and appreciate what it has to say. After all, in many ways the American Revolution and its repercussions continue to resonate within the United States and elsewhere around the world. And it stands to reason that a book like this would not exist unless there was a reason seen for it, namely the conveyance of important truths about our nation's founding to interested audience that lack the time or interest to tackle the larger works that are generally written about the subject. A book like this clearly has a niche market to serve, and that niche is relatively large, enough to ensure that this book likely has a great many appreciate readers.
Coming in at less than 100 pages, this certainly is a concise history. The author manages to cover the history of the American Revolution in five chapters. After beginning with a chronology and a preface and acknowledgements, the book proper begins with a discussion of the origins of the Revolution in the disagreements that took place after the French & Indian War when it became increasingly clear that Britain and the colonies had some substantial disagreements about their place in the imperial order (1). After that the author discusses the rebellion in the colonies, showing how it was that riots and discontent became armed rebellion in the period before 1776 (2). After that there is a discussion of the period after the Declaration of Independence when Washington showed that he could keep his army on the field despite early defeats around New York City (3). After this the author provides a discussion about the expanding course of the war after Saratoga, including the war in the South that ultimately provided decisive (4). Finally, the author spends the last chapter providing a discussion of American exceptionalism, especially as it can be seen with the decision of George Washington to return to his farm rather than become a military dictator as was common in revolutionary situations (5), after which there are suggestions for further reading and an index.
This is a book that is easy to enjoy. It makes few demands on the reader and presents its information very elegantly, and is something that can be read with pleasure by someone who knows enough to know that the book could go into greater detail or discuss things with greater nuance if time and space permitted. But often they do not, and for those who want to know more about the American Revolution but do not want to acquire my own reading habits would do well to read this book and appreciate what it has to say. After all, in many ways the American Revolution and its repercussions continue to resonate within the United States and elsewhere around the world. And it stands to reason that a book like this would not exist unless there was a reason seen for it, namely the conveyance of important truths about our nation's founding to interested audience that lack the time or interest to tackle the larger works that are generally written about the subject. A book like this clearly has a niche market to serve, and that niche is relatively large, enough to ensure that this book likely has a great many appreciate readers.
June 6, 2019
If you need a quick refresher on most of the things you learned in high school history but have likely forgotten by this point, Robert J. Allison's concise history basically gives you what you need, covering the essentials from the French and Indian War through the important deliberations of the Constitutional Convention (and slightly beyond). It, of course, includes that war that happened somewhere in between as well.
While the book covers the core of early American history, there are a few smaller moments that often get confused in the public consciousness (or, at least, in my own mind) that I thought could have been better clarified. For instance, I thought that while a handful of colonists did die in the Boston Massacre, they also spread propaganda about it being far worse than it actually was. In the book, this is never made clear. Also, the outcome of Paul Revere's ride is skipped over as well as Shay's Rebellion in deterring Americans away from the Articles of Confederation and toward the Constitution. But, I'm probably just being too picky.
While the book covers the core of early American history, there are a few smaller moments that often get confused in the public consciousness (or, at least, in my own mind) that I thought could have been better clarified. For instance, I thought that while a handful of colonists did die in the Boston Massacre, they also spread propaganda about it being far worse than it actually was. In the book, this is never made clear. Also, the outcome of Paul Revere's ride is skipped over as well as Shay's Rebellion in deterring Americans away from the Articles of Confederation and toward the Constitution. But, I'm probably just being too picky.
March 23, 2018
I recently read Oxford's companion piece, The Civil War: a concise history. I would say this book doesn't measure up quite as well. The strongest parts of the book detail the events in the 1760s and 1770s that led to revolution, such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party along with the sections on George Washington. I also enjoyed the account of Benedict Arnold, having just been to Saratoga National Historic Park - a Battle where Arnold was a hero before he became a traitor. This book comes in handy for sifting through timelines, battles, and key figures. The writing style could be more engaging but it works as as the title states - a concise history.
February 16, 2024
A very concise history indeed, coming in at just barely 100 pages, but it did a fairly good job of giving an overview of the period leading up to the Revolution. It was a bit short on putting the actual action within the war together in a cohesive way, though some of that is the fault of Washington, Cornwallis, and the gang, for not fighting a war that fit together very well.
October 8, 2025
This is a very short, concise and succinct account of events leading up to, during and after the American Revolution.
Of course, people will say things are left out, absolutely, this book comes in at just over 100 pages. But for those who don't want to read thousand volume tomes but still want knowledge of the subject, this is a good starter.
Of course, people will say things are left out, absolutely, this book comes in at just over 100 pages. But for those who don't want to read thousand volume tomes but still want knowledge of the subject, this is a good starter.
November 28, 2017
Quick and concise. Just the facts without the color commentary. An enjoyable overview of the war from which to put more in-depth works into context.
October 26, 2020
Very readable. Covers the highpoints of the war.
August 16, 2018
The American Revolution is probably the historical event I studied most from elementary school to college. As an American, I've always been captivated by the story of our nation's founding and didn't mind going over the same ground every couple years. Still, it's sometimes challenging to remember all the details when I've not formally studied the events of 1754 to 1782 in several years. I felt a short, well written history of the Revolution would be a welcome addition to my bookshelf and Robert Allison has delivered just such a book.
History can be a daunting subject to write about. People can find it dry and as years go by the major events of the time can be challenging for contemporary readers to fully understand. Authors generally have to either highlight the major points and hope the reader has done enough supplementary reading to understand what is happening, or an extensive (and sometimes tedious) history needs to be presented to put events into proper context.
By its very title, "A Concise History" is unable to go into exhaustive detail, but I think Allison did a fine job making the book easily readable while still building a bridge for readers who are not as familiar with the subject. In fact, Allison's greatest success is giving us a book that just about anyone can read through in a day or two. All the major events are presented and discussed briefly and in an interesting way. The larger than life characters (Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, John Adams, etc.) are all presented as human, and their flaws are discussed along with their great qualities. There is a genuine feeling to the way the subject is presented, and that resonated with me.
While this is a strong history of the American Revolution the book is not entirely without flaws. For example, I felt that an additional page or two should have been added to stress the importance of Saratoga, and some of the little details were left out (such as talking about Francis Marion but not mentioning the "Swamp Fox" nickname Tarleton bestowed on him). Also, the last chapter of the book felt somewhat unfocused and went into detail about the process for ratifying the Constitution, the French Revolution, Jefferson's presidency, and few pages on slavery. These are not unworthy subjects but for a book that is supposed to be a concise history on the American Revolution, I think Allison should have stopped at the ratification process of the Constitution at an absolute maximum.
Despite these few issues I feel "A Concise History" is a very good book overall. Anyone high school age and up would benefit from reading it, but it is particularly good for casual history fans or people who want to brush up on their knowledge of the American Revolution.
History can be a daunting subject to write about. People can find it dry and as years go by the major events of the time can be challenging for contemporary readers to fully understand. Authors generally have to either highlight the major points and hope the reader has done enough supplementary reading to understand what is happening, or an extensive (and sometimes tedious) history needs to be presented to put events into proper context.
By its very title, "A Concise History" is unable to go into exhaustive detail, but I think Allison did a fine job making the book easily readable while still building a bridge for readers who are not as familiar with the subject. In fact, Allison's greatest success is giving us a book that just about anyone can read through in a day or two. All the major events are presented and discussed briefly and in an interesting way. The larger than life characters (Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, Lafayette, John Adams, etc.) are all presented as human, and their flaws are discussed along with their great qualities. There is a genuine feeling to the way the subject is presented, and that resonated with me.
While this is a strong history of the American Revolution the book is not entirely without flaws. For example, I felt that an additional page or two should have been added to stress the importance of Saratoga, and some of the little details were left out (such as talking about Francis Marion but not mentioning the "Swamp Fox" nickname Tarleton bestowed on him). Also, the last chapter of the book felt somewhat unfocused and went into detail about the process for ratifying the Constitution, the French Revolution, Jefferson's presidency, and few pages on slavery. These are not unworthy subjects but for a book that is supposed to be a concise history on the American Revolution, I think Allison should have stopped at the ratification process of the Constitution at an absolute maximum.
Despite these few issues I feel "A Concise History" is a very good book overall. Anyone high school age and up would benefit from reading it, but it is particularly good for casual history fans or people who want to brush up on their knowledge of the American Revolution.
June 24, 2020
I should say first that I would still recommend this book despite the three stars I gave it. The information presented is actually very good (except for one thing that I will get to later), I had more of a problem with book’s structure and the presentation of the information.
There is no real break between paragraphs, there is indentation yes, but the information is so tightly packed that you don't really know where to stop just to take a breath. It feels like an information overload, but on the plus side there are moments in the book where you can power through all that and finish the chapter in the blink of an eye. However, there are more moments then not where the author jumps around in the timeline and it gets a little confusing and it can sometimes readjust itself where you barely noticed, but not too often.
Now, this point is a little more a personal bias (as to why it irked me so), but I feel it worth mentioning only because it makes me question other things in the book. There was a sentence towards the end of the book where the author credits and I quote, "Henry Laurens, a son of a South Carolina plantation owner" wanted to raise an all black military battalion that would be composed of slaves who would then be granted their freedom after the war because they fought for the freedom of their owners. First, the person who actually did this was John Laurens, Henry Laurens' son. He was the one who wanted an all black military battalion and to abolish
slavery, not his father. True, Henry Laurens was President of the Continental Congress for a time, but stopped his son from achieving this for a long time before he relented.
The reason this bothers me is because the information presented is incorrect and misleading. While I don't put much blame on the author (even though I believe that if one is writing about history, it would be in their best interest to cross-reference themselves to make sure their information is correct and factual), there is also blame on the editor and anyone else who read this book and didn't think it wise to do their own double check.
Other than those things, the book wasn't too bad, but I do suggest doing additional reading after reading this book if only because the timeline gets a little confusing with the back and forth between events and the not fully checked information.
There is no real break between paragraphs, there is indentation yes, but the information is so tightly packed that you don't really know where to stop just to take a breath. It feels like an information overload, but on the plus side there are moments in the book where you can power through all that and finish the chapter in the blink of an eye. However, there are more moments then not where the author jumps around in the timeline and it gets a little confusing and it can sometimes readjust itself where you barely noticed, but not too often.
Now, this point is a little more a personal bias (as to why it irked me so), but I feel it worth mentioning only because it makes me question other things in the book. There was a sentence towards the end of the book where the author credits and I quote, "Henry Laurens, a son of a South Carolina plantation owner" wanted to raise an all black military battalion that would be composed of slaves who would then be granted their freedom after the war because they fought for the freedom of their owners. First, the person who actually did this was John Laurens, Henry Laurens' son. He was the one who wanted an all black military battalion and to abolish
slavery, not his father. True, Henry Laurens was President of the Continental Congress for a time, but stopped his son from achieving this for a long time before he relented.
The reason this bothers me is because the information presented is incorrect and misleading. While I don't put much blame on the author (even though I believe that if one is writing about history, it would be in their best interest to cross-reference themselves to make sure their information is correct and factual), there is also blame on the editor and anyone else who read this book and didn't think it wise to do their own double check.
Other than those things, the book wasn't too bad, but I do suggest doing additional reading after reading this book if only because the timeline gets a little confusing with the back and forth between events and the not fully checked information.
May 8, 2023
Great book for anyone, especially students, interested in getting into the American Revolution. Light and easy read.
September 7, 2016
I loved this book. This one little book condensed down so much information and cut it up into tinier sections that it gave me a starting place for the research I need to do for a personal project. Before the first chapter was timeline that I simple marked and kept turning back to in order to get events straight in my mind. Instead of using long sections of quotations like a lot of authors do, Robert J. Allison cut it down to a base level of information and made history more intriguing for it!
December 5, 2016
I read The American Revolution: A Concise History as a class requirement. This is one of the best academia books I have read on the American Revolution. The word concise in the book title is on par for this book. The author provided a lot of information in such a small book. I relearned things I originally learned in elementary school. If you are looking for a quick historical review of the American Revolution, I highly recommend this book.
November 24, 2012
This one definitely lives up to the "concise" in it's subtitle. It moves along quickly and is pretty short on any kind of detail or analysis. Still, it does its job and is a good place to start if you need an overview before diving more deeply into a particular portion of the war. You can knock it out in a single evening.
October 28, 2020
This book is exactly what it says-- a concise history. Writing is clear, logical and interesting. There are a few excellent nuggets here and if you want to refresh yourself on some aspects of the Revolution this is where you start.
I wish the author had a longer more detailed work, because his style and judgement in presentation is very good.
I wish the author had a longer more detailed work, because his style and judgement in presentation is very good.
September 4, 2011
A quick easy-read, concise history of the American War of Independence. More narrative than analysis and occasionally short of describing the key players and attempting to explain the era but a good introduction to the subject.
February 6, 2016
It lives up to it's subtitle A Concise History. Take a few hours and learn a great deal about the American Revolutionary War. This book is now being used in the Naval War College strategy and war war course that I teach.
April 11, 2013
So concise that it cut much of the most interesting human interest stuff.
October 12, 2015
This was probably the first book that made me interested in the American Revolution.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews