American Spring: Lexington, Concord, And The Road To Revolution; Library Edition

Follow a fledgling nation from Paul Revere's little-known ride of December 1774 and the first shots fired on Lexington Green through the catastrophic Battle of Bunker Hill, culminating with a Virginian named George Washington taking command of colonial forces on July 3, 1775. The story of how a decade of discontent erupted into an armed rebellion that forged the nation. A vibrant new look at the American Revolution's first months, from the author of the bestseller The Admirals When we reflect on our nation's history, the American Revolution can feel almost like a foregone conclusion. In reality, the first weeks and months of 1775 were very tenuous, and a fractured and ragtag group of colonial militias had to coalesce rapidly to have even the slimmest chance of toppling the mighty British Army. AMERICAN SPRING follows a fledgling nation from Paul Revere's little-known ride of December 1774 and the first shots fired on Lexington Green through the catastrophic Battle of Bunker Hill, culminating with a Virginian named George Washington taking command of colonial forces on July 3, 1775. Focusing on the colorful heroes John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Benjamin Franklin, and Patrick Henry, and the ordinary Americans caught up in the revolution, Walter R. Borneman uses newly available sources and research to tell... History / United States / Revolutionary Period (1775-1800), History / Military / United States, History / Modern / 18th Century, History / Revolutionary A vibrant look at the American Revolution's first months, from the author of the bestseller The Admirals . When we reflect on our nation's history, the American Revolution can feel almost like a foregone conclusion. In reality, the first weeks and months of 1775 were very tenuous, and a fractured and ragtag group of colonial militias had to coalesce rapidly to have even the slimmest chance of toppling the mighty British Army. American Spring follows a fledgling nation from Paul Revere's little-known ride of December 1774 and the first shots fired on Lexington Green through the catastrophic Battle of Bunker Hill, culminating with a Virginian named George Washington taking command of colonial forces on July 3, 1775. Focusing on the colorful heroes John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Benjamin Franklin, and Patrick Henry, and the ordinary Americans caught up in the revolution, Walter R. Borneman uses newly available sources and research to tell the story of how a decade of discontent erupted into an armed rebellion that forged our nation. "When we reflect on our nation's history, the American Revolution can feel almost like a foregone conclusion. In reality, the first weeks of the war were much more tenuous, and a fractured and ragtag group of colonial militias had to coalesce to have even the slimmest chance of toppling the mighty British Army. American Spring follows a fledgling nation from Paul Revere's little-known ride of December 1774 and the first shots fired on Lexington Green through the catastrophic Battle of Bunker Hill, culminating with a Virginian named George Washington taking command of colonial forces on July 3, 1775. Focusing on the colorful heroes John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Benjamin Franklin, and Patrick Henry, and the ordinary Americans caught up in the revolution, Walter R. Borneman uses newly available sources and research to tell the story of how a decade of discontent erupted into an armed rebellion that forged our nation"--Back cover None None None None None None Tuesday, December 13, 1774 An Irrepressible Tide, January–March 1775 New Year's Day 1775 Drumbeats of Dissension Who Would Be True Patriots? Volleys of Words "Fire, If You Have the Courage" Boston in the Bull's-Eye Independence or Reconciliation? "Let It Begin Here," April 1775 The General's Dilemma Two Lanterns Lexington Green On to Concord By the Rude Bridge Retreat, If We Can Percy to the Rescue What Have We Done? Spreading the News Decisive Days, May–June 1775 Must We Stand Alone? "In the Name of the Great Jehovah..." Ben Franklin Returns Lexington of the Seas Three Generals and a Lady What Course Now, Gentlemen? "The White of Their Gaiters" "A Dear Bought Victory" Monday, July 3, 1775 None None None None None None None None None None From the Book... Today, amid the cacophony of Patriots' Day sights and sounds, there is--if one listens closely--a background quiet that filters down to the present. Some of the buildings that stood more than 240 years ago still stand about Lexington Green, throughout Concord, and along Battle Road. The steeple of the Old North Church looks out across the Charles River to the granite spire honoring those who fought on the slopes around Bunker Hill. One can walk past Parker's Revenge, Merriam's Corner, and the spot where a messenger named Paul Revere was captured. But look deeper. Who were those who once walked these same streets, endured great anxiety and hardship, and ultimately made a choice? Who were those at risk in the spring of 1775? Examines the first weeks of the American Revolution, from Paul Revere's ride in December 1774 through the shots fired at Lexington Green, and the ordinary Americans who were caught up in the fight alongside such heroes as Samuel Adams and Patrick Henry