As If an Enemy's Country: The British Occupation of Boston and the Origins of Revolution (Pivotal Moments in American History Series)

In the dramatic few years when colonial Americans were galvanized to resist British rule, perhaps nothing did more to foment anti-British sentiment than the armed occupation of Boston. As If an Enemy's Country is Richard Archer's gripping narrative of those critical months between October 1, 1768 and the winter of 1770 when Boston was an occupied town. Bringing colonial Boston to life, Archer deftly moves between the governor's mansion and cobblestoned back-alleys as he traces the origins of the colonists' conflict with Britain. He reveals the maneuvering of colonial political leaders such as Governor Francis Bernard, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, and James Otis Jr. as they responded to London's new policies, and he evokes the outrage many Bostonians felt towards Parliament and its local representatives. Archer captures the popular mobilization under the leadership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams that met the oppressive imperial measures--most notably the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act--with demonstrations, Liberty Trees, violence, and non-importation agreements. When the British government decided to garrison Boston with troops, it posed a shocking challenge to the people of Massachusetts. The city was flooded with troops; almost immediately, tempers flared and violent conflicts broke out. Archer's vivid tale culminates in the swirling tragedy of the Boston Massacre and its aftermath, including the trial and exoneration of the British troops involved. A thrilling and original work of history, As If an Enemy's Country tells the riveting story of what made the Boston townspeople, and with them other colonists, turn toward revolution. --Publisher Description In the dramatic period leading to the American Revolution, no event did more to foment patriotic sentiment among colonists than the armed occupation of Boston by British soldiers. As If an Enemy's Country is Richard Archer's gripping narrative of those critical months between October 1, 1768 and the winter of 1770 when Boston was an occupied town. Bringing colonial Boston to life, Archer moves between the governor's mansion and cobble-stoned back-alleys as he traces the origins of the colonists'conflict with Britain. He reveals the maneuvering of colonial political leaders such as Governor Francis Bernard, Lieutenant Governor Thomas Hutchinson, and James Otis Jr. as they responded to London's new policies, and he evokes the outrage many Bostonians felt toward Parliament and its local representatives. Equally important, Archer captures the popular mobilization under the leadership of John Hancock and Samuel Adams that met the oppressive imperial measures--most notably the Sugar Act and the Stamp Act--with demonstrations, Liberty Trees, violence, and non-importation agreements. When the British government responded with the decision to garrison Boston with troops, it was a deeply felt affront to the local population. Almost immediately, tempers flared and violent conflicts broke out. Archer's tale culminates in the swirling tragedy of the Boston Massacre and its aftermath, including the trial of the British troops involved--and sets the stage for what was to follow. Perhaps Nothing Did More To Foment Anti-british Sentiment Than The Armed Occupation Of Boston. This Is Richard Archer's Narrative Of Those Critical Months Between October 1, 1768 And The Winter Of 1770 When Boston Was An Occupied Town. Archer Moves Deftly Between The Governor's Mansion And Cobblestoned Back-alleys As He Traces The Origins Of The Colonists' Conflict With Britain. He Reveals The Maneuvering Of Colonial Leaders As They Responded To London's New Policies, And He Evokes The Outrage Many Bostonians Felt Towards Parliament And Its Local Representatives. Archer Captures The Popular Mobilization Under The Leadership Of John Hancock And Samuel Adams That Met The Oppressive Imperial Measures--most Notably The Sugar Act And The Stamp Act--with Demonstrations, Violence, And Non-importation Agreements. When The City Was Flooded With Troops, Tempers Flared And Violent Conflicts Broke Out. Archer's Vivid Tale Culminates In The Boston Massacre And Its Aftermath.--from Publisher Description. Introduction : A Garrisoned Town -- Grenville's Innovation -- On The Brink -- Power And The Opposition -- An Accommodation Of Sorts -- The Townshend Blunder -- A Momentous Decision -- Camping On The Common -- Occupation -- The Merchants And John Mein -- Prelude To A Tragedy -- The Massacre On King Street -- Aftermath -- Conclusion : A Revolutionary Legacy. Richard Archer. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. Chronicles the critical months between October 1, 1768, and the winter of 1770 when British troops occupied Boston, a time that galvanized the colonists against Great Britain and sowed the seeds of the American Revolution.