The Year That Made America: From Rebellion to Independence, 1775–1776

by Tom McMillan

There is indisputable evidence that the Continental Congress voted to separate from England on July 2, 1776. But the more cogent point is that many modern-day Americans seem unaware of the raucous political discourse in the weeks and months leading up to that decision. Independence was not pre-ordained, and almost didn’t happen as early as it did. Myths and misconceptions abound, July 2, 1776 will open many eyes to the history of the American Revolution.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

392 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 2025

Reviews

[Teri-K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consider it high praise to refer to nonfiction history as "readable", while to call it "compelling and engrossing" is light years above that. This is a compelling, engrossing look at the year or so leading up to American independence. Clear and focused, it wisely opens in July 1776, setting the stage for the rest of the story. Then it steps further back for a brief look at the foundations of the colonies and the evolution of colonial thought about government. Samuel and John Adams, Jefferson, Washington and other players are introduced as the book quickly hones in to the 1760s and early 70s. Once the Boston Tea Party occurs the reader has the necessary background to understand what will follow – the different factions, difficulties in communications, and motivations behind unfolding events.

I believe this is the kind of popular history that is hardest to write well. A book on this topic could be crammed with every possible fact, or it could take such a cursory look at the time period that the reader is left with a superficial knowledge but no real understanding of the people and events. This does neither. Instead it gives an honest, realistic view of the beginnings of revolution, never rejecting facts for a simpler story line, but also choosing details wisely, so the reader isn't overwhelmed. It allows the reader to absorb main points more easily and also clearly see the bigger implications of actions and ideas. The main threads of thought aren't lost due to excessive details - important in a history book intended for the general reader or casual history buff.

That shouldn't be taken to mean this book lacks detail. It's comprehensive and full of information. I've read a number of recently released books about this time period, and I still found myself discovering facts I don't remember seeing anywhere else. Did I know, for example, that Thomas Jefferson believed that the English Crown didn't pay for the exploration of the colonies, rather private sources did, thus making them independent from their beginning? And that a bit of this sentiment made it into the Declaration of Independence? I certainly don't remember that, but now I will never forget it. Such trenchant details make this book come alive.

The author also does an excellent job summarizing the importance of various actions. As people and issues move from the colonial to national scene and back again, and sides are changed constantly, it can be easy to lose track of what's happening and why it matters. There was no confusion with this book; the author skillfully keeps the reader oriented at all times. The focus on the Declaration of Independence especially pleased me, as I've been a life-long lover of that document.

While I truly appreciate the more scholarly titles I've read on this topic, I believe this is the book we most need today. With so much disinformation about the founding fathers and what they were trying to establish, it's vital that books like this be available for people who want to really understand our past. Such books must be both factual and interesting to read. The Year that Made America is both, and I highly recommend it.

I'll end with a quote from John Adams which is also referenced at the conclusion of this book:
"You will never know, how much it cost the present Generation, to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it."

Thank you to Globe Pequot Press, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well done!

[Kimberly Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book for the history nerd. I actually wrote my undergraduate thesis on the importance of newspapers and other written publications on the foundation of our nation. I wish I would have had this book to use as an additional source.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emphasis on US History has been declining for decades, including a dearth of detailed study on the revolutionary era. Most have no real grasp of why, how, and when independence came to pass, making works like Tom McMillan’s The Year That Made America all the more valuable. McMillan sets out to examine the process of American independence and bring a few lesser-known members of the founding generation into the spotlight.

McMillan succeeds when the focus is on the year 1776. He begins with a run-up of events, including the Boston Massacre (1770) and the Boston Tea Party (1773), before adding depth after Lexington and Concord (1775). He describes the chain reaction between the colonial governments, the British crown, and the Continental Congress, showing how each move and countermove pushed the colonies toward an irrevocable break. McMillan dispels a few common myths and provides a clear, well-paced timeline of the major events of 1776. His discussion of the drafting of the Declaration of Independence is fantastic and richly detailed.

Still, for all its strengths, The Year That Made America isn’t without its flaws. McMillan does name drop some lesser-known delegates and gives John Dickinson his due, but beyond the familiar Adams-Jefferson-Franklin trio, many figures fade into the background. The narrative also loses focus after the Battle of Trenton (Christmas 1776). The concluding five years of the war are glossed over in a somewhat perfunctory manner. He occasionally leans on myths about the Adams–Jefferson rivalry that have been largely debunked. His attempts to tie the politics of the Revolution to those of today feel heavy-handed and unnecessary. That said, his discussion of how the Declaration was nearly forgotten for a decade and later resurrected in the national consciousness is insightful and illuminating.

Despite these shortcomings, The Year That Made America remains a compelling study of the moment when rebellion became revolution. McMillan’s clear prose, swift pacing, and strong grasp of political context make 1776 come alive without oversimplifying it. Readers interested in the origins of American independence will find much to appreciate here, even if the later chapters don’t quite match the energy of the opening ones. This book offers a solid and readable account, just don’t expect it to redefine the genre.

[Michael Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tom McMillan’s The Year That Made America takes a focused look at one of the most pivotal periods in American history—the turbulent months when the colonies transitioned from armed rebellion to a full-fledged fight for independence. While plenty of books have covered the Revolutionary War, McMillan zeroes in on the critical events of 1775 and 1776, showing just how uncertain—and unlikely—America’s break from Britain really was.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is how well it captures the sense of urgency and shifting perspectives of the time. McMillan highlights key figures like Washington, Adams, and Jefferson but also gives attention to lesser-known individuals who played crucial roles. The writing is clear, engaging, and well-paced, making it accessible without feeling overly simplified. He balances military history with political maneuvering, showing how battlefield events like Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston intertwined with debates in Philadelphia.

If you’re looking for a fresh take on the Revolution’s earliest days, this book does a solid job of connecting the dots between rebellion and the Declaration of Independence. It doesn’t dive as deep into battlefield tactics as some military histories, but it provides a well-rounded look at the political and ideological shifts that led to independence.

Overall, The Year That Made America is a well-written and informative read for anyone interested in the Revolutionary era. It may not offer groundbreaking revelations, but it effectively tells the story of how America truly became a nation.

[Jonathan Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page. The book is scheduled for release on April 15, 2025.

The story of 1776 has been told countless times, often with inaccuracies, through books, TV, theater, and film. However, as we approach the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, this book offers a fresh, modern narrative of what is undeniably one of the most pivotal years in U.S. history.

In my opinion, this book fills a crucial gap in historical storytelling. It is accessible and engaging, avoiding the dry, sometimes tedious tone that often accompanies historical works. Yet, despite its readability, it is clear that the author has conducted extensive research, dispelling myths and providing a nuanced, well-rounded account of the events leading up to and following July 4, 1776.

This book is a refreshing and insightful addition to historical literature, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in U.S. history or those simply looking to gain a more accurate perspective on one of the most critical years in American history. I will certainly be adding it to my personal collection upon publication.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley.
This is a fascinating book that delves deeply into pivotal aspects during the seven months between 1775 and 1776, which paved the way for American independence. The author emphasizes that if British leaders had taken the time to understand the colonists' desire for the restoration of their rights as British subjects, the revolution might never have occurred.

The dates the author examines, while not celebrated or even recognized as particularly significant, reveal how each played a crucial role in the successful founding of a new nation.

Tom McMillan uncovers lesser-known facts about the Fourth of July, which is often mistakenly associated solely with the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone, not just history enthusiasts, but anyone interested in learning more about the formation of our Free Nation and the origins of America! Tom McMillan's investigative efforts shine throughout every chapter, providing a fresh and introspective perspective on this pivotal period in our country's history.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a fresh perspective on the American Revolution, focusing on pivotal, often overlooked dates leading to independence. It reveals the dramatic political maneuvering, internal conflicts, and courageous decisions that shaped the birth of a nation, drawing parallels to contemporary political issues.

The main focus of this book is the writing and signing of the Declaration of Independence. The book is long and highly detailed, but easy to read.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Luke Mohamed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is McMillan's best work. Die-hard historians will love his deep analysis. Casual observers will appreciate his debunking of historical myths.

As he has with other writings, McMillan presents the facts without forcing an opinionated interpretation. Too many other historical works try to shape the writings of our founding fathers into their narrative.

If you're planning any sort of recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this should be on your reading list.

[Matt McKeon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable analysis of the creation of the Declaration of Independence, with special attention to the political and ideological context. Corrects several myths about the composition of the Declaration.
Recommended. The edition however was marred by several typos, mispelled names, incorrect dates(some were 1877, not 1777 for example). Terrible editing and proofing.

[Bookwormgyrl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this book 4.0 bookworms instead of 5.0
The author said he was going to put forth an argument that Richard Henry Lee should be considered a Founding Father too. But he didn’t at least not what I read. I went back to find it and could not. The author shoehorned J6 for no reason necessary to the thesis of this book. But other than it’s an excellent book 4.0 bookworms

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fantastic read!!

This was a great weekend dive, and completely full of history. The beginning of what would become the United States was so much more than the war of Independence. First, the thirteen colonies had to learn to work together and argue their way through the many issues that arose.

Tom McMillan never disappoints with his books. Each are highly researched and full of great information. I highly recommend reading this book, and gaining a deeper appreciation for the history of our great nation.

[Chelsea Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

The Year That Made America is a non-fiction book that tells the story of American independence. The book reveals that the real American Independence Day is actually July 2, 1776 and not the 4th of July. This book details the political discourse up to and during the decision of American independence. As someone who isn’t American I learnt a lot from this and I really appreciated how this author made parallel’s from July 2, the founding fathers and first President’s to today’s America. This was written well and I really enjoyed reading it. I loved how slavery was discussed in this particularly involving Thomas Jefferson and how he tried to blame slavery on the King of England. I would definitely recommend this book, it was so interesting and I loved reading about the dynamic between the men who signed the declaration.