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Very Short Introductions #436
The American Revolution: A Very Short Introduction
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 A Very Short Introduction offers a concise introduction to this seminal event in American history.
About the
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
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 A Very Short Introduction offers a concise introduction to this seminal event in American history.
About the
Oxford's Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology, Politics to Classics, Literary Theory to History, and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question, demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually, the series will encompass every major academic discipline, offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing, whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader, the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2015
39 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Robert J. Allison
70 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 15, 2021
The American Revolution In The Very Short Introduction Series
The American Revolution and the Civil War remain the definitive events of United States history. Students can, and have, spent lifetimes trying to understand one or the other. In an attempt to provide brief introductions or refreshers for busy people, Oxford University Press has published "concise" histories of both the Civil War and the American Revolution, with each volume consisting of about 100 pages. Louis Masur of Trinity College wrote the volume on the Civil War, while Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University, is the author of the book I am reviewing here, "The American Revolution: A Concise History" (2011). It is worth reading both books for a quick reminder of the seminal events which made the United States.
Allison's book consists of 94 pages of text together with an excellent, detailed chronology of "Important Dates in the American Revolution" from 1754 -- 1826" and a good basic bibliography for further reading. In terms of time covered, the scope of this book is longer than the Civil War and probably more varied. The book begins with the founding of the colonies and the differences among them, Britain's initial neglect of the 13 Atlantic colonies in favor of the colonies in the Caribbean or India, followed by the French-Indian War and Britain's attempt to tax the colonies and play a somewhat larger role in their affairs. This is followed by an account of the rebellion, the decision for independence, and the Revolutionary War. Subsequent chapters cover the Constitutional convention and touch upon the presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. The book concludes with an account of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824-1825, and his relationship to the nation that he had helped win independence many years earlier.
The book is best and most detailed in its earlier chapters up to through the war. Allison is balanced in his presentation of the dispute between Britain and its rebellious colonies. He describes the events leading to the Revolution in terms of both economics and politics on the one hand and the power of ideas of independence and freedom on the other hand. The portions on the book on the Constitution and its aftermath are briefed and rushed. They might well have been the subject of a separate "concise history." Allison gives attention to many of the people who made the Revolution including Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, James Madison and John Dickinson among others. He also pays attention to the larger body of people, including women and African Americans, and their role. The figure receiving most attention is George Washington, as Allison praises his character, leadership skills, and inspired generalship in the Revolution against a larger, better-equipped army. Washington has been the subject of some critical, deflationary attention of late. It is valuable in this book to be reminded of his virtues and of his pivotal importance for the Revolution and its aftermath.
It is difficult to sum up the importance of the American Revolution in a few words, but Allison makes a valiant attempt. He writes in his Preface:
"The American protests over taxes and government produced a new kind of political system in which the majority governs, but individuals maintain their liberty." He continues: "The story of individuals protecting their rights in a system where the majority governs begins in the Revolution, when men and women set out to protect their liberty by mobilizing their neighbors and public opinion." In his final chapter titled "Was America Different?", Allison continues his reflections on the significance of the Revolution as he discusses the unique character of American religious toleration in the early days of the Republic, and the development of American constitutionalism. He discusses in particular the decision at the Constitutional Convention against including a provision restricting the right to vote to landowners. This decision permitted the rise of democracy.
Allison has written a short, thoughtful book that serves its purpose of reminding readers of the nature and importance of the American Revolution.
Robin Friedman
The American Revolution and the Civil War remain the definitive events of United States history. Students can, and have, spent lifetimes trying to understand one or the other. In an attempt to provide brief introductions or refreshers for busy people, Oxford University Press has published "concise" histories of both the Civil War and the American Revolution, with each volume consisting of about 100 pages. Louis Masur of Trinity College wrote the volume on the Civil War, while Robert Allison, Professor of History at Suffolk University, is the author of the book I am reviewing here, "The American Revolution: A Concise History" (2011). It is worth reading both books for a quick reminder of the seminal events which made the United States.
Allison's book consists of 94 pages of text together with an excellent, detailed chronology of "Important Dates in the American Revolution" from 1754 -- 1826" and a good basic bibliography for further reading. In terms of time covered, the scope of this book is longer than the Civil War and probably more varied. The book begins with the founding of the colonies and the differences among them, Britain's initial neglect of the 13 Atlantic colonies in favor of the colonies in the Caribbean or India, followed by the French-Indian War and Britain's attempt to tax the colonies and play a somewhat larger role in their affairs. This is followed by an account of the rebellion, the decision for independence, and the Revolutionary War. Subsequent chapters cover the Constitutional convention and touch upon the presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. The book concludes with an account of the Marquis de Lafayette's visit to the United States in 1824-1825, and his relationship to the nation that he had helped win independence many years earlier.
The book is best and most detailed in its earlier chapters up to through the war. Allison is balanced in his presentation of the dispute between Britain and its rebellious colonies. He describes the events leading to the Revolution in terms of both economics and politics on the one hand and the power of ideas of independence and freedom on the other hand. The portions on the book on the Constitution and its aftermath are briefed and rushed. They might well have been the subject of a separate "concise history." Allison gives attention to many of the people who made the Revolution including Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, James Madison and John Dickinson among others. He also pays attention to the larger body of people, including women and African Americans, and their role. The figure receiving most attention is George Washington, as Allison praises his character, leadership skills, and inspired generalship in the Revolution against a larger, better-equipped army. Washington has been the subject of some critical, deflationary attention of late. It is valuable in this book to be reminded of his virtues and of his pivotal importance for the Revolution and its aftermath.
It is difficult to sum up the importance of the American Revolution in a few words, but Allison makes a valiant attempt. He writes in his Preface:
"The American protests over taxes and government produced a new kind of political system in which the majority governs, but individuals maintain their liberty." He continues: "The story of individuals protecting their rights in a system where the majority governs begins in the Revolution, when men and women set out to protect their liberty by mobilizing their neighbors and public opinion." In his final chapter titled "Was America Different?", Allison continues his reflections on the significance of the Revolution as he discusses the unique character of American religious toleration in the early days of the Republic, and the development of American constitutionalism. He discusses in particular the decision at the Constitutional Convention against including a provision restricting the right to vote to landowners. This decision permitted the rise of democracy.
Allison has written a short, thoughtful book that serves its purpose of reminding readers of the nature and importance of the American Revolution.
Robin Friedman
October 3, 2021
I’ve read quite a few of the “Very Short Introduction” series produced by Oxford University Press, and historian Robert Allison does precisely what he should in this volume—give a baseline, compact and sensible treatment of the subject at hand. There are many “Very Short Introductions” that adopt a fancy thematic approach to the subject at hand which reads more as a collection of loosely tied together essays than a coherent understanding of whatever is at hand.
This volume is divided into a clear chronological narrative beginning with the end of the French and Indian War and concluding with Lafayette’s visit to America in the 1820s. The War for Independence proper is handled adroitly in a few chapters that explain the crux of how the American “Patriots” overcame British forces.
This is highly recommended as a primer for understanding the American Revolution or if you need a scholarly refresh after spending some time away from the subject matter.
This volume is divided into a clear chronological narrative beginning with the end of the French and Indian War and concluding with Lafayette’s visit to America in the 1820s. The War for Independence proper is handled adroitly in a few chapters that explain the crux of how the American “Patriots” overcame British forces.
This is highly recommended as a primer for understanding the American Revolution or if you need a scholarly refresh after spending some time away from the subject matter.
January 3, 2018
Like most of the Very Short Introduction series, this book is excellent.
It gives a quick and useful introduction to the colonizing of the continent, then explains how and why the colonists rebelled against their imperial sovereign. It is a rollicking good story, both because of the quick pace and the skill with which Allison tells it. It covers the legal and military happenings of the Revolution all the way through the ratification of the constitution and the early days of the Republic. Even if you know a lot about the revolution, there is much in here to educate and entertain.
It gives a quick and useful introduction to the colonizing of the continent, then explains how and why the colonists rebelled against their imperial sovereign. It is a rollicking good story, both because of the quick pace and the skill with which Allison tells it. It covers the legal and military happenings of the Revolution all the way through the ratification of the constitution and the early days of the Republic. Even if you know a lot about the revolution, there is much in here to educate and entertain.
February 8, 2021
I realized that I did not include any of the books I read in class last semester so that’s changing this time! This book gets five stars because it succeeds at what it set out to do which was to give a short and concise history while still being relatively interesting. Allison flourishes in bringing in fun interactions between key figures which lightens up the book.
May 1, 2025
The American Revolution: A Very Short Introduction by Robert J. Allison provides a concise overview of the American Revolution, its causes, events, and consequences. Here are the five main takeaways based on the book’s content and themes, as derived from available summaries and reviews:
1. Complex Causes of the Revolution: The Revolution stemmed from a mix of ideological, economic, and political tensions between Britain and its American colonies. Key issues included taxation without representation (e.g., the Stamp Act, Tea Act), British attempts to tighten control post-Seven Years’ War, and growing colonial resentment toward perceived overreach, fueled by Enlightenment ideas of liberty and self-governance.
2. Diverse Perspectives and Participants: The Revolution was not a monolithic movement. It involved varied groups—Patriots, Loyalists, enslaved people, Native Americans, and women—each with distinct motivations and experiences. For example, enslaved individuals often sought freedom by aligning with either side, while Native Americans faced devastating consequences as their lands became contested.
3. Global Context and Impact: The Revolution was part of a broader global struggle, influenced by European rivalries (e.g., French support for the colonies) and inspiring other independence movements, such as those in Latin America and France. Its international scope shaped its outcome and legacy, making it a pivotal event in world history.
4. Key Events and Turning Points: The book highlights critical moments, such as the Declaration of Independence (1776), major battles (e.g., Lexington and Concord, Yorktown), and the formation of a new government under the Articles of Confederation, later replaced by the Constitution. These events reflect the Revolution’s transformative nature.
5. Enduring Legacy and Challenges: The Revolution established the United States as an independent nation founded on principles of liberty and equality, but it left unresolved contradictions, particularly regarding slavery and women’s rights. Its legacy continues to shape American identity and debates over freedom and governance.
These takeaways encapsulate the book’s focus on the Revolution’s multifaceted nature, as presented in Allison’s accessible narrative.
1. Complex Causes of the Revolution: The Revolution stemmed from a mix of ideological, economic, and political tensions between Britain and its American colonies. Key issues included taxation without representation (e.g., the Stamp Act, Tea Act), British attempts to tighten control post-Seven Years’ War, and growing colonial resentment toward perceived overreach, fueled by Enlightenment ideas of liberty and self-governance.
2. Diverse Perspectives and Participants: The Revolution was not a monolithic movement. It involved varied groups—Patriots, Loyalists, enslaved people, Native Americans, and women—each with distinct motivations and experiences. For example, enslaved individuals often sought freedom by aligning with either side, while Native Americans faced devastating consequences as their lands became contested.
3. Global Context and Impact: The Revolution was part of a broader global struggle, influenced by European rivalries (e.g., French support for the colonies) and inspiring other independence movements, such as those in Latin America and France. Its international scope shaped its outcome and legacy, making it a pivotal event in world history.
4. Key Events and Turning Points: The book highlights critical moments, such as the Declaration of Independence (1776), major battles (e.g., Lexington and Concord, Yorktown), and the formation of a new government under the Articles of Confederation, later replaced by the Constitution. These events reflect the Revolution’s transformative nature.
5. Enduring Legacy and Challenges: The Revolution established the United States as an independent nation founded on principles of liberty and equality, but it left unresolved contradictions, particularly regarding slavery and women’s rights. Its legacy continues to shape American identity and debates over freedom and governance.
These takeaways encapsulate the book’s focus on the Revolution’s multifaceted nature, as presented in Allison’s accessible narrative.
December 31, 2025
A quick yet thoughtful introduction to the American revolution. I can’t fault the utility of this book as it served its purpose perfectly, giving me an understanding of the wider context leading up to 1776, while also granting clearer insight into what happened after the declaration was signed.
Knowing there was a near 15-year gap between the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s inauguration, this helped fill the gaps in my knowledge, as well as build a runway to the next chapter in American history I’ve yet to delve into, 1820-1860.
Some bizarre grammatical errors, as well as an abundance of battlefields, towns and side-characters, especially in the war section, made the events slightly harder to follow. A map of progress may have helped, but understandable this wouldn’t be included in the brief page count of the “very short introduction” series.
I will certainly revisit other topics in this format, they deliver exactly what is advertised while still providing opportunity for further reading if desired.
Knowing there was a near 15-year gap between the Declaration of Independence and Washington’s inauguration, this helped fill the gaps in my knowledge, as well as build a runway to the next chapter in American history I’ve yet to delve into, 1820-1860.
Some bizarre grammatical errors, as well as an abundance of battlefields, towns and side-characters, especially in the war section, made the events slightly harder to follow. A map of progress may have helped, but understandable this wouldn’t be included in the brief page count of the “very short introduction” series.
I will certainly revisit other topics in this format, they deliver exactly what is advertised while still providing opportunity for further reading if desired.
July 12, 2023
Shorter, introductory book on the subject of the American Revolution. Very detail oriented as far as the details of battles and causes of the revolution were concerned (who did what in chronological order), but did little to answer broader questions about the American Revolution. Questions such as “what did the revolution change and what stayed the same” or “what effects did the revolution have outside of the United States” are severely neglected. Only the last chapter touches on what happened after the revolution, but then it still fails to explore any meaningful context surrounding the revolution. It is a decent primer for a more thorough history, but I would have preferred a broader history with more emphasis on the themes of the revolution rather than the fine details that could be left for a longer book on the topic. It seemed like every time the author approached this methodology, it was overshadowed by the focus on war trivia of the middle chapters.
November 6, 2024
The Historian Robert J. Allison wrote a short introduction to the American Revolution. The book contains a “further reading” (Allison 95-99). I read the edition from 2011. The book has an index, a section of references, and a timeline. The book includes illustrations. The book covers the period of the American Revolution from 1754 when the French and Indian War started. The book covers the era of American history that ended with the death of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in 1826. The main part of the book is only 94 pages, so Allison does an impressive job summarizing information in a way that has a narrative flow. George Washington is a significant character in Allison’s narrative, but Washington does not overshadow this narrative. This book covers different historical figures and social forces as well. The book also does an excellent job of putting the American Revolution in a global context. Other Goodreads reviewers could be right that the last chapter is miss-titled since the chapter summarizes American history until the election of 1800 and the visit of the Marquis de Lafayette visit to the United States in 1824. The chapter does not answer the question of the title of the chapter entitled “Was America Different?” (Allison 74-95). I learned a lot from Allison’s book. For example, I did not realize that the American Revolution broke the Iroquois Confederacy (Allison 57). Allison’s book is an excellent short introduction to the American Revolution.
March 20, 2019
Very short is very accurate indeed. This wasn't exactly what I was hoping for in the book, but I could see how it could be of use for others. I did find it a pretty good reference for people/events that you could then look up in further details.
Ultimately, for me, the book was a little too brief while also containing way too fine of details for a book of this size. Much of it was just mentioning this person was in this town then this army crossed this river (would literally go on for pages like this). Without any map or and incredible knowledge of American geography it was quite confusing.
The book also spent much more time on the War as opposed to the Revolution. The final chapter is titled "Was America Different?" This chapter had a few interesting sections, but ultimately failed to discuss or interpret anything in any substantive depth.
Ultimately, for me, the book was a little too brief while also containing way too fine of details for a book of this size. Much of it was just mentioning this person was in this town then this army crossed this river (would literally go on for pages like this). Without any map or and incredible knowledge of American geography it was quite confusing.
The book also spent much more time on the War as opposed to the Revolution. The final chapter is titled "Was America Different?" This chapter had a few interesting sections, but ultimately failed to discuss or interpret anything in any substantive depth.
February 17, 2018
The book fulfills the title's promise: we are given a short introduction to the American Revolution. Beyond that, it is a bit of a mess. It is poorly written, and poorly organized, with too much attention given to each individual battle, and too little attention given to the political, cultural, and social history of the time. Facts, and even quotes aren't cited. A very dry read.
July 29, 2020
Just like it says on the tin- a very short introduction to the American Revolution. I feel like it went into a few too many specific stories at times without focusing enough on some issues of the time such as slavery and poverty, but as an introduction it did well. I appreciated the recommendations for further reading at the end.
January 22, 2025
Concise introduction which gives a good overview of the origins and political influences of the American Revolution as well as the military history of the War of Independence. Less useful in its last chapter (which mostly deals with the adoption of the Constitution and how the decision for a free republic played out under the first presidents), which seems a bit rushed and incoherent.
May 27, 2025
Excellent concise summary of the war, starting with the growing tensions between the colonies and England right on through to Yorktown and the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Washington certainly comes across as a determined, effective general who understood the limitations of his army and the advantages of fighting in one's own land.
January 26, 2025
Cool book to have around. Loads of interesting facts. Reading the discourse the founders had making the constitution was insightful. One thing is for sure, there was no firm idea what America should be.
November 9, 2017
Drier than a potato sandwich.
December 6, 2018
Great overview of the events leading up to revolution, the revolution, and postbellum period. Lots of battles and movements mentioned that require a map to digest. Last chapter complemented the VSI to the Colonial America.
April 11, 2019
Concise, informative - everything in 112 pages without being dumbed down. A good reference.
August 26, 2020
This book gave a really good insight into the subject and has made me feel prepared for starting an America unit in September for my A-Levels.
May 15, 2022
Informative but so dull and unexcitingly written.
September 29, 2017
‘Religious diversity, which did not exist anywhere else, flourished in America’ (86)
This is a grave error which signals the book’s inability to overcome the problem mentioned at its beginning and end: that American history is drawn towards an image of something springing out of nothing – a nation whose origin is magical and non-rationalised. Perhaps this is an aspect of the poetry essential to a creation story. But the American story achieves nothing by simply ignoring 17th-century British history.
Although dismal, this is the only important analytical failure of the book. It is forgivable that Allison underplays the global aspect of the war and even the political split within Britain over whether American independence was desirable. But as I type this I think some contextualisation regarding the English revolution would have been revealing; puritanism, republicanism, etc. There are also a couple of half-hearted and queasy attempts to show the revolution as some kind of feminist reformation.
But the main problem is that it feels like the great majority of the book is a tedious list of the geographical movements of armies, militias, and (often random) individuals. I was really surprised by this as the text has received a number raving endorsements, being noted for its engaging and concise style. The awful thing about this is that there are no maps in the book at all – there are a number of illustrations, but about half of them are generic and unhelpful. Maps would help readers who aren’t closely familiar with the eastern seaboard to understand the war, and because Allison focuses so much on troop movements they in fact would seem to be essential.
On the other hand, what his emphasis does help us to understand is that this was a war of manoeuvring and brinkmanship more than one of destruction and bloody conclusions. Although the peace is written off cheaply as the result of British public morale wavering, there is a good enough sense provided that the British soldiers and politicians were never really committed to slaughtering and dominating their own kin.
The subtext is eventually clear – this was not a revolution over political ideology or commercial interests, but the inevitable strain of geographical distance between two very culturally similar political classes. The only acceptable alternative to independence would have been American members of parliament in London, and this was likely to have been totally unwieldy.
This is a grave error which signals the book’s inability to overcome the problem mentioned at its beginning and end: that American history is drawn towards an image of something springing out of nothing – a nation whose origin is magical and non-rationalised. Perhaps this is an aspect of the poetry essential to a creation story. But the American story achieves nothing by simply ignoring 17th-century British history.
Although dismal, this is the only important analytical failure of the book. It is forgivable that Allison underplays the global aspect of the war and even the political split within Britain over whether American independence was desirable. But as I type this I think some contextualisation regarding the English revolution would have been revealing; puritanism, republicanism, etc. There are also a couple of half-hearted and queasy attempts to show the revolution as some kind of feminist reformation.
But the main problem is that it feels like the great majority of the book is a tedious list of the geographical movements of armies, militias, and (often random) individuals. I was really surprised by this as the text has received a number raving endorsements, being noted for its engaging and concise style. The awful thing about this is that there are no maps in the book at all – there are a number of illustrations, but about half of them are generic and unhelpful. Maps would help readers who aren’t closely familiar with the eastern seaboard to understand the war, and because Allison focuses so much on troop movements they in fact would seem to be essential.
On the other hand, what his emphasis does help us to understand is that this was a war of manoeuvring and brinkmanship more than one of destruction and bloody conclusions. Although the peace is written off cheaply as the result of British public morale wavering, there is a good enough sense provided that the British soldiers and politicians were never really committed to slaughtering and dominating their own kin.
The subtext is eventually clear – this was not a revolution over political ideology or commercial interests, but the inevitable strain of geographical distance between two very culturally similar political classes. The only acceptable alternative to independence would have been American members of parliament in London, and this was likely to have been totally unwieldy.
March 19, 2017
Good for an introduction. Just enough background to not get bogged down in. Take it for what it is-an overview
September 4, 2015
As the title states, this is a very short introduction to the American Revolution. I found it triggered memories and reminded me of the complexity and turmoil that led to our founding. Many of the arguments and conflicts over principles and values are echoed in today's political culture.
Between the nation's founding and the Civil War Jefferson's views about a limited federal government prevailed. After the Civil War, the need for a more powerful national government became evident. Looking at more current history the argument flared up again starting in the 1970s and continues today.
Between the nation's founding and the Civil War Jefferson's views about a limited federal government prevailed. After the Civil War, the need for a more powerful national government became evident. Looking at more current history the argument flared up again starting in the 1970s and continues today.
December 7, 2016
This was a good short book on the Revolutionary War. It alerted the reader of some interesting points including that most states at the time of the rebellion had state supported churchs and all residents had to pay taxes to support them whether they belonged or not.
September 21, 2016
Good little book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews