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Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters
The approaching 250th anniversary of 1776 calls for a new reckoning with the ideals and sacrifices that animated independence.
The self-evident truths of 1776 hover over our national divisions—as inspiring ideals, as measures of how far we still must come, as the hypocrisy of slaveholders, as intrusions on local traditions. The revolutionary politics of 1776 turned from securing the rights of Englishmen to establishing the authority of an independent nation. The battlefields of 1776 cast the military mold for the war years to come and gave us an enduring symbol of gritty determination in the actions of Washington’s depleted forces at Trenton and Princeton.
Drawing together the eloquence of Jefferson and the insistence of Paine, the strategies of generals and the audacious tactics of armies on the move, and the powerful political movement that transformed colonies into states, this history of 1776 is a leading scholar’s distillation of the pivotal events we must reckon with two hundred and fifty years after the nation’s birth.
The self-evident truths of 1776 hover over our national divisions—as inspiring ideals, as measures of how far we still must come, as the hypocrisy of slaveholders, as intrusions on local traditions. The revolutionary politics of 1776 turned from securing the rights of Englishmen to establishing the authority of an independent nation. The battlefields of 1776 cast the military mold for the war years to come and gave us an enduring symbol of gritty determination in the actions of Washington’s depleted forces at Trenton and Princeton.
Drawing together the eloquence of Jefferson and the insistence of Paine, the strategies of generals and the audacious tactics of armies on the move, and the powerful political movement that transformed colonies into states, this history of 1776 is a leading scholar’s distillation of the pivotal events we must reckon with two hundred and fifty years after the nation’s birth.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 11, 2025
15 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Edward J. Larson
42 books178 followersEdward J. Larson is the author of many acclaimed works in American history, including the Pulitzer Prize–winning history of the Scopes Trial, Summer for the Gods. He is University Professor of History and Hugh and Hazel Darling Chair in Law at Pepperdine University, and lives with his family near Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 15, 2026
Edward Larson is an American lawyer, professor, and writer of many American history books. His 2025 book Declaring Independence focuses in on 1776 specifically -- this wasn't the year the American Revolutionary War started (that was in 1775 at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, following Paul Revere's famous midnight ride - see The Ride: Paul Revere and the Night That Saved America) or ended (1783), but it was a pivotal year probably best remembered for the drafting and signing of Declaration of Independence on July 4. While Larson spends a good amount of these 240 pages describing the process around creating, editing, and gaining consensus around this document, he also highlights other key 1776 events, like aborted peace talks with the British and George Washington's early days as Commander of the Continental Army.
This was an enjoyable, well-researched and well-written, albeit brief, listen -- I think Larson proves his point about how monumental 1776 was, though this isn't (and isn't designed to be) a standalone book on the American Revolution.
My statistics:
Book 15 for 2026
Book 2321 cumulatively
This was an enjoyable, well-researched and well-written, albeit brief, listen -- I think Larson proves his point about how monumental 1776 was, though this isn't (and isn't designed to be) a standalone book on the American Revolution.
My statistics:
Book 15 for 2026
Book 2321 cumulatively
November 25, 2025
Good book and thesis surrounding the American Revolution as a war not just fought on the battlefield but through ideas. Think this could’ve been more thoroughly written as some key things were left out. I did enjoy that it was centered around Thomas Paine as he is often an anecdote rather than part of the whole story of the Revolution.
December 22, 2025
Short great book explaining the battles, politics of our country at its infancy. Colonists initially didn’t seek independence. The continued arrogance of the British parliament and king forced the realization that the colonists would never achieve representation. This then builds the case for independence. Each colony writes their individual resolution on independence. Simultaneously the Continental Congress writes and declares the declaration of independence. 2026 is our 250th anniversary. An appropriate book to read with the coming year.
December 1, 2025
I picked this up because of a growing interest in American Revolutionary history sparked by travels on the east coast. While I was familiar with many of the events, I liked how the author tied them all together to show how sentiments in 1776 changed. I suspect that there is little new here for readers well versed in this history, but I found it a surprisingly compelling read.
January 10, 2026
Independence Forever!
Shortly before his death on July 4, 1826, the same day as the death of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams was asked for a toast. Adams responded with the words that are the title of this review, "Independence Forever".
I was reminded of Adams' final words in reading this new book, "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters" by historian Edward Larson, the author of many books on history including the Pulitzer Prize winning study of the Scopes trial, "Summer for the Gods." Larson's new book is timely and important. It comes as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence (1776 -- 2026) and of the Declaration of Independence. Ken Burns' recent television series on the American Revolution also discusses this period, and there undoubtedly will be many books and reflections on this event during the coming year. It is a necessary thing to do and to celebrate: reflection on 1776 and its meaning in our own troubled times.
Larson's book is intended to show "Why 1776 Matters", and it fulfills its goal. His book explains the nature of the independence the colonists sought and declared in 1776, why they did so, and why their decision was momentous. The book covers a great deal in its short scope, is well-documented, and is written for a broad audience.
In his Preface, Larson describes the "independence" sought by the colonists as "separating from the British monarchy and establishing representative governments in the American states. Simply put, in the United States, "the people" would reign and their elected representatives would rule."(x) In the years leading up to 1776, the colonists had become increasingly restive under British rule and had taken to arms by 1775. Larson shows that prior to 1776, the colonists had sought "liberty" -- securing their rights as subjects of the Crown. But in 1776, as the year went on, the colonists were firmly in the camp of Independence. Larson explores how and why this change came about.
The book consists of seven chapters which ties together several threads: the power of ideas, political action, and war. For Larson, the tendency is to underplay the importance of ideas, and he attempts to rectify this in his study. The book discusses the many pamphlets and writings od the colonists setting forth their grievances with Great Britain. (Some of these pamphlets are included in a two volume set from the Library of America edited by Gordon Wood, (The American Revolution: The Pamphlet Debate 1764-1776), The pamphlets culminated in Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense" which Larson discusses in detail. He also shows the response to the pamphlet and how it resonated throughout the colonies. Paine followed "Common Sense" with essays titled "The American Crisis" which urged the colonists to persevere when, later in 1776, the military situation looked bleak.
Larson also gives great attention to the Declaration of Independence which deserves to be read and pondered afresh. He ties the Declaration in with prior events in the colonies, spearheaded by John Adams, to rewrite their constitutions to establish representative governments rather than monarchical governments under the crown. Although these consitutions did not change matters such as the presence of slavery, the exclusion of women from voting rights, and property qualifications for voting, the significance of the change to independent governments cannot be over-estimated. The Declaration of Independence drew on earlier efforts. It was a product not only of Thomas Jefferson's genius, but of committee work, the Second Continental Congress, and of the American people. Then too, the colonists were faced with the need to unite 13 separate coolonies into something approaching a unified nation. This process, and the process of understanding Independence, still continues. Larson discusses the varied contributions of many of the Founders including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others.
Larson weaves together the story of ideas and of politics with the military events of 1776, beginning on New Years Day with the burning of Norfolk, Virginia following a British cannonade. The scenes shift throughout the year to military action in Boston, Canada, New York City, and New Jersey. Larson examines both sides of the line showing the difficulties faced by George Washington in raising and commanding a fighting force. Britain sent the largest force ever sent out of Europe up to the time in an effort to subdue the colonies but faced large problems of its own. The history Larson tells is one of perseverance and sacrifice by the Americans in the face of great difficulty and military blunders on both sides. The army seemed to be in desperate straights during the winter of 1776. The situation changed with Washington's fabled Crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776, and the subsequent military victories at Trenton and Princeton.
Larson has written an inspiring book showing the difficulties of attaining independence and the heroism in the American people, in ideas, politics, and military action to bring it about. The book does not overlook the failings of America of the time in terms of slavery, property and gender. The principles declared in 1776 continue to function and develop through the present day. It is crucial to understand America's origin in the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence and to reflect on these ideas through love of our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Robin Friedman
Shortly before his death on July 4, 1826, the same day as the death of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams was asked for a toast. Adams responded with the words that are the title of this review, "Independence Forever".
I was reminded of Adams' final words in reading this new book, "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters" by historian Edward Larson, the author of many books on history including the Pulitzer Prize winning study of the Scopes trial, "Summer for the Gods." Larson's new book is timely and important. It comes as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence (1776 -- 2026) and of the Declaration of Independence. Ken Burns' recent television series on the American Revolution also discusses this period, and there undoubtedly will be many books and reflections on this event during the coming year. It is a necessary thing to do and to celebrate: reflection on 1776 and its meaning in our own troubled times.
Larson's book is intended to show "Why 1776 Matters", and it fulfills its goal. His book explains the nature of the independence the colonists sought and declared in 1776, why they did so, and why their decision was momentous. The book covers a great deal in its short scope, is well-documented, and is written for a broad audience.
In his Preface, Larson describes the "independence" sought by the colonists as "separating from the British monarchy and establishing representative governments in the American states. Simply put, in the United States, "the people" would reign and their elected representatives would rule."(x) In the years leading up to 1776, the colonists had become increasingly restive under British rule and had taken to arms by 1775. Larson shows that prior to 1776, the colonists had sought "liberty" -- securing their rights as subjects of the Crown. But in 1776, as the year went on, the colonists were firmly in the camp of Independence. Larson explores how and why this change came about.
The book consists of seven chapters which ties together several threads: the power of ideas, political action, and war. For Larson, the tendency is to underplay the importance of ideas, and he attempts to rectify this in his study. The book discusses the many pamphlets and writings od the colonists setting forth their grievances with Great Britain. (Some of these pamphlets are included in a two volume set from the Library of America edited by Gordon Wood, (The American Revolution: The Pamphlet Debate 1764-1776), The pamphlets culminated in Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet "Common Sense" which Larson discusses in detail. He also shows the response to the pamphlet and how it resonated throughout the colonies. Paine followed "Common Sense" with essays titled "The American Crisis" which urged the colonists to persevere when, later in 1776, the military situation looked bleak.
Larson also gives great attention to the Declaration of Independence which deserves to be read and pondered afresh. He ties the Declaration in with prior events in the colonies, spearheaded by John Adams, to rewrite their constitutions to establish representative governments rather than monarchical governments under the crown. Although these consitutions did not change matters such as the presence of slavery, the exclusion of women from voting rights, and property qualifications for voting, the significance of the change to independent governments cannot be over-estimated. The Declaration of Independence drew on earlier efforts. It was a product not only of Thomas Jefferson's genius, but of committee work, the Second Continental Congress, and of the American people. Then too, the colonists were faced with the need to unite 13 separate coolonies into something approaching a unified nation. This process, and the process of understanding Independence, still continues. Larson discusses the varied contributions of many of the Founders including George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and others.
Larson weaves together the story of ideas and of politics with the military events of 1776, beginning on New Years Day with the burning of Norfolk, Virginia following a British cannonade. The scenes shift throughout the year to military action in Boston, Canada, New York City, and New Jersey. Larson examines both sides of the line showing the difficulties faced by George Washington in raising and commanding a fighting force. Britain sent the largest force ever sent out of Europe up to the time in an effort to subdue the colonies but faced large problems of its own. The history Larson tells is one of perseverance and sacrifice by the Americans in the face of great difficulty and military blunders on both sides. The army seemed to be in desperate straights during the winter of 1776. The situation changed with Washington's fabled Crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776, and the subsequent military victories at Trenton and Princeton.
Larson has written an inspiring book showing the difficulties of attaining independence and the heroism in the American people, in ideas, politics, and military action to bring it about. The book does not overlook the failings of America of the time in terms of slavery, property and gender. The principles declared in 1776 continue to function and develop through the present day. It is crucial to understand America's origin in the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence and to reflect on these ideas through love of our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Robin Friedman
November 26, 2025
Why 1776 Remains the Pivotal Year of the American Revolution
In a surprisingly terse, quite remarkable, book, Edward J. Larson offers both the general public and students of history, a very concise exploration as to why 1776 remains the pivotal year of the American Revolution in his "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters". This may be the best book on the American Revolution written in years, emphasizing the philosophical impact of an idea, not the deeds of individuals like Franklin, Washington and Jefferson, had on the course of the American Revolution, transforming what was a fight to secure the rights of American colonists to live under British law and enjoy the same rights and privileges of their English cousins who were represented by Parliament into a war of independence against the military and political might of the British Empire, not just Parliament, but especially against the king, George III, himself. Written to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States' birth, Larson's concisely written book is a notable testament to the philosophical and political ideas represented in the very documents that propelled the course of the American Revolution, including not only the Declaration of Independence.
Larson argues persuasively as to how Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" set the course of the American Revolution, encouraging the colonists to view the ongoing war as a war of independence against the British Empire. The first chapter of his book, "Launching a Year of Common Sense" is a succinct overview describing who Paine was and how his "Common Sense" quickly garnered a vast readership within the American colonies, making a powerful, quite persuasive, case for American independence from the British Empire. In succeeding chapters, while Larson notes the importance of tactical moves such as Henry Knox's removal of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga (Chapter Two) and the departure of the British army and navy from Boston (Chapter Three), he stresses the importance of some of the colonies, such as North Carolina, drafting republican constitutions, as key steps towards an eventual declaration of independence, which John Adams recognized as important preconditions before the colonies could declare their independence from the British Empire.
What is especially noteworthy about Larson's book is that he shows how the Declaration of Independence was not written in isolation, by a Continental Congressional committee that remained aloof from political as well as military events in the other colonies. He notes that as the Declaration was being written, both Franklin and Jefferson had key roles in the drafting of republican constitutions in Pennsylvania and Virginia, noting how the language used in both documents greatly influenced Jefferson as he wrote the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence. This shows how complex the actual history behind the writing of the Declaration was, not the simplistic mythology popularized in the musical "1776".
While this book was written primarily for a general audience, Edward Larson does a great service for students of history by having extensive footnotes in each of his chapters, often citing from original correspondence written by the likes of Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Washington and their peers. I strongly suspect that once more readers are aware of Larson's superb scholarship, that his book could become used widely as a supplemental text to well-regarded histories of the American Revolution by such noted historians as Bernard Bailyn and Gordon Wood - who, in the interest of full disclosure, was one of my college professors. This is another major reason why "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters" may be one of our most important histories about the year 1776 and especially why the American colonies opted to pursue a war of independence from the British Empire.
In a surprisingly terse, quite remarkable, book, Edward J. Larson offers both the general public and students of history, a very concise exploration as to why 1776 remains the pivotal year of the American Revolution in his "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters". This may be the best book on the American Revolution written in years, emphasizing the philosophical impact of an idea, not the deeds of individuals like Franklin, Washington and Jefferson, had on the course of the American Revolution, transforming what was a fight to secure the rights of American colonists to live under British law and enjoy the same rights and privileges of their English cousins who were represented by Parliament into a war of independence against the military and political might of the British Empire, not just Parliament, but especially against the king, George III, himself. Written to celebrate the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States' birth, Larson's concisely written book is a notable testament to the philosophical and political ideas represented in the very documents that propelled the course of the American Revolution, including not only the Declaration of Independence.
Larson argues persuasively as to how Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" set the course of the American Revolution, encouraging the colonists to view the ongoing war as a war of independence against the British Empire. The first chapter of his book, "Launching a Year of Common Sense" is a succinct overview describing who Paine was and how his "Common Sense" quickly garnered a vast readership within the American colonies, making a powerful, quite persuasive, case for American independence from the British Empire. In succeeding chapters, while Larson notes the importance of tactical moves such as Henry Knox's removal of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga (Chapter Two) and the departure of the British army and navy from Boston (Chapter Three), he stresses the importance of some of the colonies, such as North Carolina, drafting republican constitutions, as key steps towards an eventual declaration of independence, which John Adams recognized as important preconditions before the colonies could declare their independence from the British Empire.
What is especially noteworthy about Larson's book is that he shows how the Declaration of Independence was not written in isolation, by a Continental Congressional committee that remained aloof from political as well as military events in the other colonies. He notes that as the Declaration was being written, both Franklin and Jefferson had key roles in the drafting of republican constitutions in Pennsylvania and Virginia, noting how the language used in both documents greatly influenced Jefferson as he wrote the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence. This shows how complex the actual history behind the writing of the Declaration was, not the simplistic mythology popularized in the musical "1776".
While this book was written primarily for a general audience, Edward Larson does a great service for students of history by having extensive footnotes in each of his chapters, often citing from original correspondence written by the likes of Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Washington and their peers. I strongly suspect that once more readers are aware of Larson's superb scholarship, that his book could become used widely as a supplemental text to well-regarded histories of the American Revolution by such noted historians as Bernard Bailyn and Gordon Wood - who, in the interest of full disclosure, was one of my college professors. This is another major reason why "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters" may be one of our most important histories about the year 1776 and especially why the American colonies opted to pursue a war of independence from the British Empire.
January 9, 2026
“In 1776 we waged war in behalf of the great principle that Government should derive its just powers from the consent of the governed” - Franklin D. Roosevelt. It’s crazy to me how in 1776 they were against kings and some Americans “demanding their own liberty while denying it to others” and yet, here we are in 2026 seeing similar things. I guess history really does repeat itself. I enjoyed the detailed breakdown of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. “The ideas of Independence Spread far and wide among the Colonies” - Samuel Adams. I had no idea some colonists wanted to reconcile with England, I just assumed they still wanted British rule without reconciliation even being thought of. John Adams stressed that “equal interest among the people should have equal interest in it” and that the “representative assembly” “should be in miniature, an exact portrait of the people at large”. Even back then it was known diversity was needed, so that no one entity would make laws to benefit their own interest, only. “Whenever any form of government shall become destructive to these ends… it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it…” - Thomas Jefferson. If only we could still make those changes today on a large scale. I found it interesting that all people have equal rights, yet only “men” are mentioned and that Jefferson wanted to add that the King is using their own slaves against them rather than allowing them to be slaves. I never knew that piece was in the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. I also had no idea that at first only two people signed the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock and Charles Thomson, before being written on parchment for all delegates to sign. I was surprised to learn that women’s voting rights were a topic of discussion, although it didn’t get very far. I wonder how things would have turned out if America abolished slavery in 1776, rather than in 1865. I was again surprised to learn that was another topic, that was dismissed. I had no idea that Benjamin Franklin drew the “don’t trend on me” snake, although it was a little different as his version said “Join, or Die” and each section of snake had a name of a colony. There was a lot of detail and much more informative than any history class I’ve taken. Overall I enjoyed the book, and learning about the different documents created in and around 1776 and the different battles fought in and around 1776, both having huge impacts on creating the country we know today.
January 10, 2026
To coincide with the 250th anniversary of American independence, the author delves into the events that occurred in the year 1776, an epoch in American history. From Thomas Paine's Common Sense, published in January, through the summer months when the Continental Congress and various state's assemblies began to formulate the principles of republican government and into the winter months, when Washington's Continental Army attempted to close the '76 campaign with some much needed headway on the battlefields of New York and New Jersey, every angle of the momentous year is explored.
Nothing revelatory, but a concise and cogent look into the seismic import of the year 1776. Edward Larson knows his subject matter well. I appreciated the ample time spent with Thomas Paine. Likewise, the extraordinary work done at both the nascent federal level and in various state's assemblies is valuable. I was left wanting more from the author at the conclusion of the book.
Nothing revelatory, but a concise and cogent look into the seismic import of the year 1776. Edward Larson knows his subject matter well. I appreciated the ample time spent with Thomas Paine. Likewise, the extraordinary work done at both the nascent federal level and in various state's assemblies is valuable. I was left wanting more from the author at the conclusion of the book.
December 22, 2025
Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters by Edward J. Larson is a compelling, insightful look at the pivotal year that shaped America. Blending politics, military strategy, and the ideals of the Founding Fathers, Larson examines both the sacrifices and contradictions of 1776, showing why its legacy remains vital for understanding the nation today.
January 11, 2026
I love history but don't always want something that's many hundreds of pages. This was interesting, and while shorter than other new American Revolution books out there, I still learned new things. Interesting how much of 1776 was still changing the tide of intent (reconcile with British vs Independence)
November 25, 2025
Well-articulates the dramatic pivot of colonial opinion in 1776: from pushing the unfairness of taxation without representation for British subjects, to seeking independence, but dense and academic in style. Do I regret reading it? No. Would I recommend it to the casual history buff? No.
December 22, 2025
A well thought out thesis on the first year of the United States of America. It’s nice to read a book that does not find fault with our country. It is easy from our perch to accept the result of the war for independence, but placing oneself in 1775-1776, these people , who only wanted their rights,but ended up declaring independence , were committing treason against the British empire , yet were determined to start the world anew. An amazing story. If fiction, it wouldn’t be believed; but it happened !
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews