The War for Independence touched virtually every American. It promised liberty; the opportunity for a better life; and the excitement of the battlefield. It also brought disappointment; misery; and mourning. In this collection of original essays that highlight the variety and richness of recent research; eleven leading historians investigate the diverse experiences of Americans from North to South; from coast to backcountry; from white townsfolk to African American slaves.Revolutionary ideology may have inspired some soldiers in the Continental Army; but as the case studies in this volume document; the men of New England also weighed family commitments; economic concerns; and local politics when deciding whether or not to enlist in the militia. Slaves joined the army believing the war would bring them personal freedom while women served as auxiliaries or as camp followers. Those left behind defended the home front—unless the war took their homes and made them refugees. On the frontier; politically astute Native Americans weighed the relative advantages to themselves before deciding to support the patriots or the Crown.By bringing together the perspectives of soldiers; women; African Americans; and American Indians; War and Society in the American Revolution gives readers a fuller sense of the meaning of this historical moment. At the same time; these essays show that instead of unifying Americans; the war actually exacerbated social divisions; leaving unresolved the inequalities and tensions that would continue to trouble the new nation.
#4235989 in Books 1991-01-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.00 x .30 x 8.25l; .88 #File Name: 087475560364 pagesmilitarywar
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Not your average booksBy kjohnsonCombat and Survival is a 28 book set that was published in the 1990s as a book version of a British miltary Magazine by the same title. It was written for the british military by the british military and most of the information is specifically usueful for a british soldier serving in the late 1980s. The date of writing seems to be 1987-1988 and is extremely interesting because it gives a view of the world from that time. Many of the articles concern fighting the Soviet Military in Europe or patrolling the streets of Northern Ireland. While this may not seem relevant; there is a lot to be learned from these articles.Each book contains 3 different descriptions of weapons or vehicles that are relevant to the average infantryman. These range from rifles and pistols; to rocket launchers; tanks and helicopters. Each book also has a section on wilderness survival and a main section on a certain type of fighting such as; tank hunting; jungle Warfare; ambushes etc. Each book also contains several first hand accounts from soldiers around the world in various battles and combat situations. Most of these are british but there are also a lot of American; South African or Rhodesian stories. And finally; each book has a "Fighting Fit" section that details the training of soldiers in different units.Overall; these are the best books in my collection. They are the most detailed and soldier-oriented books I have ever found. Where else can you find a book that will tell you in detail how to fire a TOW missile at a Soviet tank or disassemble a Steyr AUG assault rifle?9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. How Not To Get KilledBy Douglas D.This is really just one volume in a 28 book set; all of which are quite good. The series deals with a lot of basic combat and survival skills; and seems to be largely based on British military doctrine and not US. Everything from Urban Combat to catching and preparing wild food is inside. Also lots of photos and illustrations to reinforce the important points.Certainly; this series isn't going to make anyone an overnight Rambo. There's no substitute for really joining military and getting up close and personal instruction. Having said that; I'd say that the books in this series are probably a lot more informative and interesting than the more "dry" style of most military field manuals.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Good overal; but...By J. CalhounTake it with a grain of salt. It has a decidedly British point of view. Reviews of weapons and equipment seem to get higher reviews if they are British. I have the full set of books plus a couple of extra volumes.Weapons and tactics do change at a fast rate. Some of the tactics illustrated are now becoming a bit dated. The survival information does not go out of date. New products are marketed but the old ones and knowledge are still useful.
