Richard Middleton

The War of American Independence

1775-1783

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

'This is an authoritative and up-to-date assessment of the twists and turns of war and diplomacy through which thirteen former British colonies gained their independence. The complex story is narrated with exemplary clarity and the measured judgements will command wide respect. The extended treatment given to the war on the frontiers, whose outcome was to be of the utmost importance to the native peoples of America, is a most welcome feature.' Peter Marshall, Professor Emeritus of History, King's College London 'This fresh synthesis offers a clear narrative and shrewd assessment of a seemingly interminable struggle between very different British and American forces, both hobbled by inadequate resources, lame strategies, and flawed leadership. Middleton convincingly argues that this exhausting contest was finally ended only by a dramatic, if widely under-appreciated, French naval intervention at Yorktown.' Ian K. Steele, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Western Ontario 'Middleton's account of the American Revolution not only successfully places the rebellion in a broad Atlantic context, but also reminds us that what government leaders at the time called military strategy was largely the product of ignorance and incompetence.' T. H. Breen, Professor of American History, Northwestern University The War of American Independence is rightly seen as one of the most important conflicts of the eighteenth century, with continuing consequences for the world today. Initially Britain viewed the struggle as no more than the suppression of a minor revolt instigated by a few unscrupulous men, being convinced that most colonists remained loyal to their empire and monarch. But wars rarely turn out as expected. While Britain viewed the conflict as one that could not be lost, the white majority in America similarly believed in the justice of their cause and also felt that they would prevail. In consequence, the British found themselves enmeshed in a conflict which they did not understand and to which they had few answers. The entry of France, and then Spain, into the war further diminished Britain's chances, diverting their resources to the defence of the Channel, Gibraltar, Minorca, the West Indies, and trade with the rest of the world. Although George III and his ministers stubbornly held on to the belief that the American Patriots and their allies would eventually tire of the struggle, the reality was that Britaindid not have the resources to fight a war on two continents. After years of indecisive sparring, the knockout blow was eventually delivered by France at Yorktown in the autumn in 1781, allowing the formation of the most significant new nation in the modern world. In his fascinating new book, Richard Middleton provides a perceptive, comprehensive and engaging account of this complex conflict. Taking a broader view, he uncovers the fragile nature of the American Patriot cause and investigates the crucial importance of France and Spain to the achievement of the War of American Independence. Ideal for students of American history, war/peace studies, international relations and eighteenth century politics, this impressive study will provide knowledge and insight to anyone with a general interest in the strategic direction, conduct and outcomes of the American War of Independence. Richard Middleton was for many years Lecturer and Reader in American History at Queen's University, Belfast. Among his various publications are "The Bells of Victory: The Pitt-Newcastle Ministry and the Conduct of the Seven Years' War, 1757-1762" (Cambridge University Press, 1985 and 2002), "Colonial America: A History to 1763 "(Blackwell, 1992, 1996, 2002 (and 2011 with Anne Lombard) and "Pontiac's War: Its Causes, Course and Consequences" (Routledge, 2007). He is now an independent writer and scholar.

Produktdetails

• Modern Wars In Perspective
• Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Seitenzahl: 368
• Erscheinungstermin: 30. September 2011
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 233mm x 156mm x 25mm
• Gewicht: 560g
• ISBN-13: 9780582229426
• ISBN-10: 0582229421
• Artikelnr.: 34556535

Autorenporträt

Richard Middleton was for many years Lecturer and Reader in American History at Queen's University, Belfast. Among his various publications are The Bells of Victory: The Pitt-Newcastle Ministry and the Conduct of the Seven Years' War, 1757-1762 (Cambridge University Press, 1985 and 2002), Colonial America: A History to 1763 (Blackwell, 1992, 1996, 2002 (and 2011 with Anne Lombard) and Pontiac's War: Its Causes, Course and Consequences (Routledge, 2007). He is now an independent writer and scholar.

Inhaltsangabe

PREFACE and acknowledgements CHAPTER 1: Britain and America come to Blows,
1763-1775 [4] 1. John Bull and his Empire, 1763. 2. The Rights of British
America 3. A Tea Party in Boston: Parliament versus Congress 4. The First
Shot: Lexington and Concord CHAPTER 2: The Fighting Begins, 1775 [18] 1.
Prospects and Perspectives of the Combatants 2. Bunker Hill and the Siege
of Boston 3. Congress widens the Conflict: Canada 3. The Political
Revolution: America Declares her Independence CHAPTER 3: Britain Reasserts
her Authority, 1776 [44] 1. Patriots and Loyalists: The Factors of Identity
2. The Two Sides Prepare 3. The British Invasion of New York 4. Trenton and
Princeton: the Patriot Cause Retrieved CHAPTER 4: The Unpredictable
Fortunes of War, 1777 [73] 1. The British Plan a New Offensive 2. Howe Goes
to Philadelphia 3. Burgoyne meets his match at Saratoga 4. The Maritime
Dimension, 1775-1777 CHAPTER 5: France Comes to America's help, 1778 [106]
1. The French Connection, 1775-1778 2. Britain's Strategic Options 3. Naval
Preliminaries in Europe 4. Valley Forge and the Fashioning of a New Army 5.
Clinton: Retreat and Retrenchment 6. Britain ventures into Georgia CHAPTER
6: Spain Enters the Conflict, 1779 [143] 1. Spain and the American War 2:
Britain faces Invasion 3. Stalemate in America 4. Britain, Spain and
Gibraltar CHAPTER 7: Changing Strategies, 1780 [170] 1. The Bourbon Powers
alter their Focus 2. The Struggle for Mastery in the West Indies 3. Britain
Looks Southwards: The Campaign for the Carolinas 4. Northern Impasse: The
Bankruptcy of Congress 5. Europe: The League of Armed Neutrality CHAPTER 8:
The North American Frontier, 1775-1781 [212] 1. The Southeastern Mosaic 2.
The Struggle for the Ohio and Illinois 3. The Devastation of Iroquoia
CHAPTER 9: No Daylight at the Tunnel's End, 1781 [237] 1. France seeks a
Resolution 2. Washington's Darkest Hour: the Continental Mutiny 3. The
Royal Navy bids Europe defiance 4. Britain's Southern Strategy Unravels
CHAPTER 10: Resolution at Yorktown [270] 1. The War moves to Virginia 2. De
Grasse and Rodney: The Naval Prelude 3. Cornwallis ensnared CHAPTER 11: End
Game, 1782 [297] 1. The Political and Military Consequences of Yorktown 2.
The War draws to a Close in America 3. Britain strikes back in the
Caribbean 4. Europe: Final Operations 5. A Peace takes Shape: The Treaty of
1783 CONCLUSIONS AND CONSEQUENCES [319] APPENDIX: Washington on the art of
Command, 10 Nov 1775 BIBLIOGRAPHY [327] INDEX