Independence Day holds a special place in the heart of the American Nation. The Fourth of July commemorates the day when the Founding Fathers declared separation from The British Empire. It is commonly associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues and family reunions. But the American Revolution was strategically important for the thirteen colonies as it ensured a united front in the Revolutionary War that America waged against overwhelmingly powerful British army.
We have selected twelve different stories from contemporary and classic literature that reveal some facts you might not know about.
Contents
- Common Sense, Thomas Paine
- The United States' Constitution
- Redcoats and Rebels: The American Revolution Through British Eyes, Christopher Hibbert
- The Eve of Revolution: A Chronicle of the Breach with England, Carl Lotus Becker
- From Boyhood to Manhood - the Life of Benjamin Franklin, William M. Thayer
- Wieland; or, The Transformation, Charles Brockden Brown
- Almost a miracle, John Ferling
- Founding Mothers: Women who raised our nations, Cookie Roberts
- The Turncoat, Donna Thorland
- Chains, Laurie Halse Anderson
- Celia Garth, Gwen Bristow
- Johnny Tremain, Esther Hoskins Forbes
Common Sense, Thomas Paine
“Time makes more converts than reason.”
Published six months before the Declaration of Independence, this pamphlet was destined to change the course of history. Common Sense became a source of inspiration for the colonists through a series of compelling reasons for the rebellion against British rule. Thomas Paine’s book sparked debates, supported revolutionary ideas and promoted social equality, transforming the way Americans viewed their personal freedom.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonThe United States’ Constitution
The foundation of the American Nation, as we know it, was laid when Benjamin Franklin and the Framers signed the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The Constitution set out guiding principles and represented a blueprint that was open to interpretation.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonRedcoats and Rebels: The American Revolution Through British Eyes, Christopher Hibbert
Redcoats and Rebels is a war story told by a renowned historian that focuses on the conflict between British troops and American patriots. Christopher Hibbert closely examines the reasons behind the British defeat providing an insight into poor decision-making and leadership, rugged American terrain and the tenacity of the rebels. The author paints a vivid picture of the cruel and unpredictable nature of this fight for freedom as well as frictions and condemnations within the armies on both sides of the war.
Buy it on AmazonThe Eve of Revolution: A Chronicle of the Breach with England, Carl Lotus Becker
The Eve of the Revolution describes the events that led to the Boston Tea Party bringing together facts from different sources. Carl Becker studied a number of works written during the Revolutionary War and so reveals certain influences that might have altered the perception of the War. “In this brief sketch I have chiefly endeavored to convey to the reader, not a record of what men did, but a sense of how they thought and felt about what they did.”
Read it Free HereFrom Boyhood to Manhood – the Life of Benjamin Franklin, William M. Thayer
The life of “the real father of the American Union” is reckoned by the author to be stranger than fiction. A man, who believed that “one today is worth two tomorrows”; so he acted accordingly. The greatest diplomatist of his time, Benjamin Franklin “never failed to speak the right word at the right season”. He overcame poverty and obscurity to become one of the key figures in American history.
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonWieland; or, The Transformation, Charles Brockden Brown
The first gothic thriller was inspired by a curious case of multiple murders that took place in wartime Pennsylvania. A devout Christian, Theodore Cairn, hears a voice call in the gloom instructing him to render his wife in proof of his faith, so he obeys the higher power and goes on a blood-spattering killing spree. But who is really behind the fateful command to Theodore?
Read it Free Here Buy it on AmazonAlmost a miracle, John Ferling
Almost a Miracle lays out a chronological narrative discussing plans and strategies on both sides of the War. Ferling analyses the American victory, drawing the reader’s attention to flaws of familiar heroes (Franklin, Washington, Hamilton) and praising those humble heroes who didn’t get recognition. The author also explores political divides in the Colonies and challenges our preconception of the American Revolution.
Buy it on AmazonFounding Mothers: Women who raised our nations, Cookie Roberts
Founding Mothers represents a tribute to wives, sisters and daughters of prominent men, who framed the Constitution. From Abigail Adams and Martha Washington to Deborah Read Franklin, these patriotic and passionate women were as much responsible for the founding of the nation as the men, who fought on the front line. The book encapsulates the trials and triumphs of prominent women of the era through beautifully written excerpts from letters.
The Turncoat, Donna Thorland
This historical romance tells a story of Lydia Barrington Darragh, who despite adverse weather, manages to walk 12 miles to warn the Washington’s army and mysterious widow of Mount Holly of the unprecedented attack of the British Army. The Quaker spy, who made a significant contribution to the battle at Trenton by seducing Hessian Colonel Carl Von Donop and luring him away from the conflict at the crucial moment, is often associated with Betsy Ross, who played an active, but forgotten part in the war.
Buy it on AmazonChains, Laurie Halse Anderson
An impeccably researched and heart-clenching novel portrays the events that led a 13-year old Isabel to fight for her freedom during the Revolutionary War. A slave to Locktons, a family that condemns the American Revolution, Isabella turns to patriots, who encourage her to spy on her owners in the hope of gaining access to British plans for invasion. A tale of hard choices and determination, the book explores the lengths we are prepared to go to shake off the chains.
Buy it on AmazonCelia Garth, Gwen Bristow
When Charleston is captured by the British army, a wave of debauchery and pillage is spread across the Carolina countryside. The seed of panic is planted, and many Americans join the king’s side. However, the fate of the town is changed with the appearance of Francis Marion, a little man who is passionate about his cause. Celia Garth, a young seamstress, joins the fight by supplying secret information to colonials, putting her life in danger. A story of love and courage, the novel captures different shades of the American Revolution.
Buy it on AmazonJohnny Tremain, Esther Hoskins Forbes
Esther Forbes skilfully blends an accurate portrayal of wartime Boston, as well as a boy’s journey to manhood. When Johnny Tremain, a gifted apprentice to a silversmith, burns his hand by molten silver, his dreams are crushed. Johnny’s new job changes his destiny linking him to the Boston patriots, and later becoming involved in the Tea Party and the Battle of Lexington.
Stella
Stella is a Marketing Consultant and has been writing content for Full Text Archive since 2015. When she is not writing, she is meticulously planning our social and e-mail campaigns. Stella holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Russian Literature, which has provided a broad foundation from which she continues to explore the written world.
She spends her free time reading, visiting old castles and discovering new coffee shops. She can be reached at stella