audiobook A People's Army by Fred Anderson in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Excellent work on the Seven Years WarBy Andrew77A People’s Army is a study of the Seven Years War from a social history perspective. From the outset; Anderson makes it clear that instead of concentrating solely upon the military aspects of the war (the campaigns; battles; generals; etc.); he would seek to tell the history of the people in the war – especially of the colonial Americans; and specifically those of the New England area. He divides this approach into three parts. The first section deals with the war; both in the local (addressing the manner and method of citizen service; and etc.) as well as the overall level (thus laying a basic groundwork of information on the war). The second section dives into the gritty details of military service for the provincials; and as it approaches from a social history perspective; shows how these experiences shaped their frame of reference and formed a common bond between the men. The third addresses the difference between the colonials and the regulars; going into detail about how the former acted in war as based on their own terms (as in; regarding discipline; terms of service; and warfare in general); and further; how it shaped British-colonial relations. One of the key themes throughout the book is the expressed difference between the colonial soldiers and their British counterparts. As a result of their unique experience (shaped by a closeness of communities and a shared reverence of God); the Americans in general had a different culture than the British. This was something that was not always perceived by the colonials themselves; but it was brought to the forefront during the war. They were shocked by the irreverence shown by the British; and offended by their prideful arrogance – both sentiments demonstrative of the wide differences between the two cultures. This reaction was especially true when the regulars sought to exercise authority over the provincials – an action which was resisted; even to the point of blows. These sorts of exchanges only served to further strain relations between the English and colonials. And yet; despite the cultural differences and points of conflict; it is noted that the very process of war benefited the colonies economically (due to the compensations provided by England); and the end product – victory – was celebrated as a joint accomplishment. In fact; as Anderson further affirms; upon the conclusion of the war; the colonies were more loyal to the ‘mother country’ than before. Thus he confirms the Seven Years War as an event distinct and important in implication; rather than merely as a prelude to the Revolution. As can be seen from reading his book; Anderson has numerous such excellent observations on the colonial experience of the Seven Years War. However; it must be acknowledged that his book is just one among many; as quite a few writings exist on that subject. Still; it is safe to say that most focus on what is often considered as the more important aspects of the war: the military and political leaders; the major campaigns; climactic battles; and the struggle between the nations. A People’s Army differs from them in just that aspect – it is not an account of nations and great leaders; but the colonies: farmers; artisans; and laborers. Anderson freely recommends books that take on the traditional perspective (of military/political); though at the same time commends his own; and rightly so: for in dealing with the common individual; the book captures a sense of the war that the others miss – that of the provincial soldiers’ lives. To demonstrate this concept; and truly show from a firsthand perspective what it was like for the colonials; the book uses a momentous amount of primary sources of that time; including diaries; letters; memoirs; documents; and; of course; books. These serve to provide a well-founded basis for the premise of the book; and illustrate; at least in part; the lives of the colonial soldiers. A People’s Army is a solid contribution to the history of the colonial Americans during the Seven Years War. Its greatest strength is its use of primary sources to illustrate the lives of the soldiers. It does not have any major weaknesses; save; perhaps; that it was written well-nigh three decades ago from this point in time (thus allowing for changes in the historical record). Yet; this is hardly a weakness; as there does not appear to be any erring in either facts or interpretation. A notably experienced historian; Anderson has written numerous books on the early colonial period; several of which – including A People’s Army – have won awards. That book alone won the 1982 Jamestown Prize and the 1987 Distinguished Book Award; signifying that A People’s Army represents the highest ideals of the writing of history.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Landmark HistoryBy Howard G. Anders JrThis was landmark history when first published in the mid-1980s. It is still awesome. Dr. Anderson uses information from public records private letters and documents of the time; to construct a picture of Massachusetts during the French and Indian War. Great history.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Highly insightfulBy Michael N. RyanThough limited to the provincial soldiers of Massachusetts; this book provides ample insights to the colonial soldiers of the French and Indian war and will serve the reader well for any course of study on the subject.Most informative. Easy to read. A good book to have for those interested in Colonial American History or just the French and Indian Conflict.