DOC Independence Lost: Lives on the Edge of the American Revolution by Kathleen DuVal in History

Review

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful. The key contribution of the Gulf Coast Region and Spanish military success to the outcome of the American RevolutionBy HowardA very well researched and compellingly written account of the complex and subtle interdependencies and tensions between the British and Spanish Empires; Native American Nations; and rapidly growing American States in the Gulf Coast region in the mid to late 18th century. An often overlooked dimension of the American Revolution is the military struggle between Spain and Britain for control of the Mississippi and trade routes across Loiusiana; West and East Florida and out to the West Indies. This book not only shows the different hope sand aspirations of contemporaries through the eyes of Spanish and British officials; Loyalists and American Patriots; displaced Acadians; Slaves and free men and women of colour; as well as the Creek; Chocataw and Chickasaw Nations but reminds us that the outcome of the American Revolution was never a given. A subtle and nuanced study of the diplomatic strategies; political controversies and military engagements which led to the defeat of the British; initial triumph of the Spanish; aspirations of American entrepreneurs and settlers; and complex attempts of the Native American Nations to defend their traditional lands. The eventual outcome was never preordained but the attempt to negotiate and maintain a range of different interdependencies was to end in disappointment and failure for many with the loss of independence and landholdings even as the formal Independence of the new Republic was formulated and developed. This is a very stimulating and thought provoking book as well as being an exciting read. An innovative and valuable contribution to studies of the American Revolution; colonialism and slavery; and the geopolitics of the Gulf Region. Highly Recommended!14 of 15 people found the following review helpful. but – like Canada – West Florida was loyalist countryBy Charles J. WilsonYes; History is Written by the WinnersThis book is a fascinating look at what was and important – but largely ignored – part of the birth of the United States. Every school child learns about Philadelphia; Boston; Bunker Hill; New York; Valley Forge and York Town; but they probably hear little about New Orleans and Pensacola.The American Revolution was also fought west of the Appalachians; east of the Mississippi and along the Gulf Coast. Two of Brittan’s other American Colonies were East and West Florida. The rebellious 13 colonies invited West Florida to be number 14; but – like Canada – West Florida was loyalist country.Spain; like France; sided with our rebellious founders and took West Florida from King George. The Indian nations acted in what they perceived to be their own best interest. For them; the issue was which of the European super power – Britton; France or Spain – would keep the colonist from intruding on Indian land.In taking West Florida; Spain relied on militia and regulars. The militia included Arcadians – who had been deported by Brittan from Canada after the Seven-Year war – as well as Africans both free and slave. The story is told through the experiences of some of the people who lived through the Revolution – but along the Gulf Coast rather than along the Atlantic Seaboard.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful HistoryBy Greg AndersonThis is wonderful history. It takes a look at the American Revolution from a new angle; putting it in the context of what was essentially a world war pitting the empires of Britain; France; and Spain against each other. In North America; that also involved various Indian nations; and other groups.The author probably exaggerates the importance of the Gulf Coast in the overall picture; and is quick to criticize the new American governments; but this is still a fine book.