ePub Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence by Joseph J. Ellis in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. along with lesser lights like Thomas PaineBy Brian Indians FanMost people when asked to recall the Spirit of '76 that led to American independence will most likely focus on the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Granted; that was the event that started the horses carrying the cause out of the barn; but this event did not take place in a vacuum. The duty behind Joseph Ellis' book is to pull back to a 30;000 foot view of the events in the summer of 1776.In one sense; the American Revolution began a full year earlier with the April 1775 battles of Lexington and Concord; where colonists and British traded lead in anger in a war that would last over 8 years. American luminaries such as John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; George Washington and John Hancock were taking their places on the world stage; along with lesser lights like Thomas Paine. In fact; it is the contribution of the heretofore unknown Paine - Common Sense - that lights the fire under the revolutionary faction of both the Continental Congress and the American public.Ellis dedicates his work to showing in excellent detail the goings-on from the American point of view. He picks up this historical jewel and examines it from all sides; checking and finding stress; controversy and contentious debate. This was an exercise that needed to be done - one does not break away from the greatest power in the world on a whim.Unbeknownst to the Continental Congress; the Howe brothers (Admiral Richard and General Sir William) were getting ready to meet up in New York City bearing an iron fist inside of a silk glove. William was forced to leave Boston after the Battle of Bunker Hill and would lead the ground assault on America's prized port if the colonists refused to come to their senses. Seeing that the Howes were both "Peace Commissioners" and the leaders of battle should it be given rightly gave the colonial representatives pause.Of course; given British arrogance in refusing to treat the colonials with respect (which continues right up to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown) leads to the war that we come to read about. In the midst of trying to make names for themselves by even after declarations of war to bring the colonies home; the Howes refuse to engage the Colonial Army in a manner that would end the war in a decisive victory. The brothers mistakenly believe that all that is required is to bloody the nose of Washington and his troops; and they will see the light. It is a mistake that proves costly as the Colonial Army soon begins to believe they can win and Congress believes they can do it.Ellis crafts a good narrative of the events; spinning them as a good story with backstories. He also takes the effort to show the failings of Washington the general; yet placing it within the context of the code of honor among gentlemen of the 18th century. An army wouldn't fight like that today; but absent that; there were strategic blunders that almost got the Revolution strangled in the cradle.BOTTOM LINE: An excellent book for the turbulent events of 1776.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Good not great interpretation of the summer of 1776By N FergusonJoseph Ellis has established himself as one of the premier crossover historians: academics who successfully write for the mainstream market. His book "Founding Brothers" was outstanding; insightful; interesting; clear; and accessible. His books on Jefferson and Washington were also good.Revolutionary Summer is a good addition but not great to analyses of American independence. First; Ellis' writing remains strong and I would recommend the book foremost because of his skill at creating fluid; engaging prose. Second; Ellis makes an interesting argument about the pivotal nature of military and political decisions in the summer of 1776. He argues that American political unity; British political intransigence; and most critically; British military caution made eventual American triumph inevitable. His examination of both military and political decision-making - on both the British and American sides - is helpful and insightful. He is persuasive in arguing the pivotal nature of these months and decisions.However; there are a few problems with the book. First; most of his arguments are not new; although he tells the story well. Second; and more importantly; is he ends the analysis abruptly in late summer 1776. He argues that American victory by this time was basically assured; it might be a long and difficult journey but the pieces were in place for successful independence. This discounts how precarious the American military situation continued to be and the importance of Washington's victory at Trenton in December. Maybe Ellis is correct but I do not find his argument persuasive. David McCullough; in his book 1776; argues more compellingly for the uncertainty of the American cause far beyond Aug/Sep 1776 and for the central role played by Washington. This is more in line with the consensus among historians; I believe. It is ironic that McCullough; who has been criticized for being a 'Barnes and Noble' historian has made what I would consider to be a more persuasive analysis than the esteemed Ellis.With all that in mind; Ellis remains an engaging; enjoyable writer and I recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A PRIMER ON OUR AMERICAN FREEDOMBy richard e whitelockAs the title infers; this is the birth of the revolution approximately 10 years after the end of the French and Indian War; Circa 1763. Joseph J. Ellis is a masterful author. A lot was happening during this 10 year period. No single event would have brought about the Declaration; but once you put all events together; our Founding Fathers had no choice but to declare our independence. Ellis does a masterful job of weaving all these different events into a solid tapestry that is easy to read and understand. Our struggle for independence began long before the meeting of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774. Relive these events as they actually occurred and see for yourself why our fight for independence was inevitable.