The War of American Independence

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, Kings 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 Britains 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 Middle...