Chapter 28 - Don't Start the Revolution Without Me

How could I not write about the American Revolution today, the day after Independence Day? On July 2, 1776 the Continental Congress officially declared its freedom from Great Britain when it voted to approve a resolution submitted by delegate Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, declaring “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.” That simple resolution led to a 7 year war which ended in 1781 with an American win.

John Adams was convinced that July 2 would be celebrated by generations to come while most of the other founders believed the date would be July 4th. In fact, July 4th, 1776 was the date set atop the Declaration of Independence after the draft had been edited by the Continental Congress. The Declaration was not completely signed until August 2 of 1776.

I have always loved history and historical fiction as well. Here are some of my favorite books which speak to this important time for America.

1776 by David McCullough - McCullough does a great job of detailing all the drama and events of 1776. Focusing on both sides of the Atlantic, he interweaves the actions and decisions which took place that year.

John Adams by David McCullough - John Adams was one of the most honest politicians to ever come out of America. Looking only to do the best for his country, he pushed the drive for independence and then became a moving force behind the creation of America. If you haven't read this tome, you should!

Rise to Rebellion by Jeff Shaara - Offering novelized accounts of historical events, Jeff Shaara is absolutely one of my favorite authors. Using logs, documents and letters as resources here he creates a story about the American Revolution as intense as any action novel you could read.

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts - Not to leave women out of the History books, the late Cokie Roberts wrote this book about the incredible women behind the scenes of the Revolution. Here you will learn about some amazing people such as Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Deborah Read Franklin, Eliza Pinckney, Catherine Littlefield Green, Esther DeBerdt Reed and Martha Washington. This is a must read for any education about the time period.

Hamilton by Ron Chernow - If all you know about Alexander Hamilton is from the musical, (which I admit is quite good), then pick up this biography on which the musical is based. Chernow tells the story of Hamilton from his humble beginnings as a poor, illegitimate boy in the Caribbean to his historic duel with Aaron Burr. Who knows what greatness Hamilton could have achieved if he had not been killed?

I, Eliza Hamilton by Susan Holloway Scott - Here is Eliza's story, the wife of Alexander Hamilton. A worthy complement politically and mentally to her famous husband Eliza's story can stand on its own. Eliza proves she is every bit as brilliant as her often maligned husband.

Oh, and speaking of Independence Day, considering supporting your local independent book store. Yes we may not be as inexpensive as the internet behemoth but we are putting money back into our communities, supporting our own local economies. If you want to support Bookends online here is a direct link to our online book shop where you can find lots of new books at discounted prices - https://bookshop.org/shop/bookendsusedbookstore.

Do you have any favorite American Revolution stories? Please share!