The War of American Independence by Richard Middleton

The War of American Independence by Richard Middleton

Wars rarely turn out as expected. This book shows how Britain entered a conflict that it believed could not be lost. The American Patriots were similarly optimistic about their martial prospects. Although they eventually secured independence, it was only with the assistance of France and indirectly Spain, who diverted British resources from the conflict in America, allowing France eventually to deliver a knockout blow at Yorktown. This extensive yet accessible exploration into the War of American Independence provides a clear analysis of why this complex conflict occurred and why it ended as it did, revealing the fragile nature of the American Patriot cause. An essential guide for any history student, including those specializing in war/peace studies and the study of international relations, as well the general reader with an interest in the study of war.

'This is an authoritative and up-to-date assessment of the twists and turns of war and diplomacy through which thirteen former British colonies gained their independenceThe complex story is narrated with exemplary clarity and the measured judgements will command wide respect. The extended treatment given to the war on the frontiers, whose outcome was to be of the utmost importance to the native peoples of America, is a most welcome feature.'

Peter Marshall, Professor Emeritus of History, King's College London

'This fresh synthesis offers a clear narrative and shrewd assessment of a seemingly interminable struggle between very different British and American forces, both hobbled by inadequate resources, lame strategies, and flawed leadership. Middleton convincingly argues that this exhausting contest was finally ended only by a dramatic, if widely under-appreciated, French naval intervention at Yorktown.'

Ian K. Steele, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Western Ontario

'Middleton's account of the American Revolution not only successfully places the rebellion in a broad Atlantic context, but also reminds us that what government leaders at the time called military strategy was largely the product of ignorance and incompetence.'

T. H. Breen, Professor of American History, Northwestern University

Richard Middleton was for many years Lecturer and Reader in American History at Queen's University, Belfast. Among his various publications are The Bells of Victory: The Pitt-Newcastle Ministry and the Conduct of the Seven Years' War, 1757-1762 (Cambridge University Press, 1985 and 2002), Colonial America: A History to 1763 (Blackwell, 1992, 1996, 2002 (and 2011 with Anne Lombard) and Pontiac's War: Its Causes, Course and Consequences (Routledge, 2007). He is now an independent writer and scholar.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9781138472525
ISBN 10	1138472522
Title	The War of American Independence
Author	Richard Middleton
Series	Modern Wars In Perspective
Condition	Unavailable
Binding Type	Hardback
Publisher	Taylor & Francis Ltd
Year published	2017-09-11
Number of pages	368
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.