This year, the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, because even the founders weren’t quite sure how long we’d last. They called America an experiment because it was a novel attempt to create a self-governing republic, led by the people rather than by kings or an aristocracy. And yet, here we are… 250 years later. The birth of the United States of America, however, arose from bloodshed. From 1775 to 1783, the thirteen colonies fought for their independence from Great Britain and King George III, ultimately founding a new nation rooted in the ideals of the Enlightenment. So, in honor of our 250th anniversary, let’s look at the best books about the American Revolutionary War.
A Very Brief History of the American Revolution
While the war for independence began in 1775, the American Revolution as a political movement really started around 1764. At this time, Great Britain was doing a phenomenal job of pissing off its thirteen North American colonies. As a result of the French and Indian War (1754–1763), the motherland was in major debt. Since Britain fought the war to protect the colonies, it figured it was only fair to tax the shit out of them to cover the costs.
Before this, however, Britain largely let the colonies govern and tax themselves. This policy, called salutary neglect, was clearly off the table when Britain decided to enforce taxes. We must remember, though, that the colonists still considered themselves British, even though they didn’t have representation in Parliament. So, they were royally pissed and were like, “No taxation without representation, fuckers.”1
From 1764 through 1774, Britain passed several more acts, leading to protests by colonists. This escalation ultimately erupted into war at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. By George, we’ve got a revolution on our hands!
Between 1775 and 1783, the colonists fought for independence. George Washington (henceforth known as G-Dub)2 became commander of the Continental Army, and the Second Continental Congress took control of all operations. On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, effectively telling George III and Britain to fuck off.
The war finally came to an end on October 19, 1781, when British General Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered to G-Dub at the Siege of Yorktown. The Treaty of Paris of 1783, signed by the newly minted Americans and the Brits, officially recognized the independence of the United States. Hooray!
Books about the American Revolutionary War
Yes, I skipped over many important events and battles in my very brief history. That’s why you’ve got to read the books on this list! It includes comprehensive histories as well as books focusing on specific years of the struggle for independence.
The following books will teach you about the causes of the revolution, as well as key moments like the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, and the Battle of Bunker Hill. You’ll read about the big greats and their heroics, like G-Dub crossing the Delaware River and Paul Revere warning that the British were coming. The books also reveal Benjamin Franklin’s role in the revolution and illuminate why a beer was named after Samuel Adams.
You’ll learn about the colonial soldiers and spies who fought in the war, including African Americans. You can even read the account of a revolutionary soldier himself, a man by the name of Joseph Plumb Martin. We also can’t forget our allies, the French, especially the Marquis de Lafayette. If you’re interested in learning about America’s enemies—the Redcoats and Hessian mercenaries—they’re represented here, too.
In addition to soldiers, you’ll discover revolutionary mothers, liberty’s daughters, and enslaved women navigating the war’s upheaval. And of course, you’ll discover what the Native Americans were doing while the colonists rebelled against the motherland. You didn’t think they passively stood by and watched, did you? Happy reading!
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