Contrary to common understanding, in the backcountry at least, the American Revolution was fought over land rather than democratic ideals. In this book, historian Walter Dunn reveals the true nature of the conflicting interests on the frontier, demonstrating that the primary issues there, land and the fur trade, were, in fact, the basis of the conflict between the local colonists and Britain. Diverse Indian groups, wealthy land speculators, humbler settlers, fur traders, and the British government all had conflicting designs on the rich lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. The conflict on the frontier during the Revolution has been described as one of heroic settlers defending their farms against attacks by the British army, the Tories, and the Indians. In truth, the situation was far more complex. For many on the frontier, the primary motive for fighting was not defending farms, but acquiring vast tracts of land for later resale at enormous profit. Native Americans, in contrast, were motivated by the desire to retain control of their homeland, for without their hunting grounds and cornfields, they would starve. Going beyond accepted theory, Dunn explores why those on the frontier reacted to the conflict as they did. He demonstrates how the various economic groups were forced to decide whether they should side with Britain or the colonists or if possible remain neutral, and the forces that governed those choices. Finally, he reveals how the decisions made on the frontier during the Revolution had a lasting impact on the post-war situation in the West, delaying western expansion by nearly two decades.

Contrary to common understanding, in the backcountry at least, the American Revolution was fought over land rather than democratic ideals. In this book, historian Walter Dunn reveals the true nature of the conflicting interests on the frontier, demonstrating that the primary issues there, land and the fur trade, were, in fact, the basis of the conflict between the local colonists and Britain. Diverse Indian groups, wealthy land speculators, humbler settlers, fur traders, and the British government all had conflicting designs on the rich lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. The conflict on the frontier during the Revolution has been described as one of heroic settlers defending their farms against attacks by the British army, the Tories, and the Indians. In truth, the situation was far more complex. For many on the frontier, the primary motive for fighting was not defending farms, but acquiring vast tracts of land for later resale at enormous profit. Native Americans, in contrast, were motivated by the desire to retain control of their homeland, for without their hunting grounds and cornfields, they would starve. Going beyond accepted theory, Dunn explores why those on the frontier reacted to the conflict as they did. He demonstrates how the various economic groups were forced to decide whether they should side with Britain or the colonists or if possible remain neutral, and the forces that governed those choices. Finally, he reveals how the decisions made on the frontier during the Revolution had a lasting impact on the post-war situation in the West, delaying western expansion by nearly two decades.

Though scores of texts, films and stories have been told about the American Revolution from the perspectives of our Founding Fathers and their followers, comparatively little is known about those colonists who resisted the revolutionary movement, and tried desperately to preserve their nation’s ties to the British Empire. Choosing Sides: Loyalists in Revolutionary America shows us that America’s original colonies were not nearly as united behind the concept of forming free, independent states as our society’s collective memory would have us believe. There were, in fact, numerous colonists, slaves, and Native Americans who counted themselves among the Loyalists: those who never wanted to sever ties with the English crown and who viewed revolution as an unnatural and unlawful mistake. Too often overlooked, these men and women made valid and valuable arguments against the formation of the United States—both weighing the costs of revolution and the perilousness of existing without the Empire’s command— arguments that even hundreds of years into America’s existence were echoed and championed both within and beyond our borders. Colonists from commoners to clergymen had nuanced and complex reasons for wanting to remain under British control, and an awareness of these reasons and their origins paints a more historically accurate portrait of the American populous around the time of our country’s founding. This volume not only showcases Dr. Chopra’s comprehensive analysis of Loyalism and its arguments, but includes letters, legislation and even poems written by Loyalists during and after the Revolutionary War. Choosing Sides lays a detailed foundation of facts for its readers and provides them entry points to the debate surrounding the genesis of the United States. It is both a primary source and a touchstone for original interpretations and discussions.

A sweeping and original look at American slavery in the early nineteenth century that reveals the gamble slaves had to take to survive Images of American slavery conjure up cotton plantations and African American slaves locked in bondage until the Civil War. Yet early on in the nineteenth century the state of slavery was very different, and the political vicissitudes of the young nation offered diverse possibilities to slaves. In the century's first two decades, the nation waged war against Britain, Spain, and various Indian tribes. Slaves played a role in the military operations, and the different sides viewed them as a potential source of manpower. While surprising numbers did assist the Americans, the wars created opportunities for slaves to find freedom among the Redcoats, the Spaniards, or the Indians. Author Gene Allen Smith draws on a decade of original research and his curatorial work at the Fort Worth Museum in this fascinating and original narrative history. The way the young nation responded sealed the fate of slaves for the next half century until the Civil War. This drama sheds light on an extraordinary yet little known chapter in the dark saga of American history.

Protecting the Empire’s Frontier tells stories of the roughly eighty officers who served in the 18th (Royal Irish) Regiment of Foot, which served British interests in America during the crucial period from 1767 through 1776. The Royal Irish was one of the most wide-ranging regiments in America, with companies serving on the Illinois frontier, at Fort Pitt, and in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, with some companies taken as far afield as Florida, Spanish Louisiana, and present-day Maine. When the regiment was returned to England in 1776, some of the officers remained in America on staff assignments. Others joined provincial regiments, and a few joined the American revolutionary army, taking up arms against their king and former colleagues. Using a wide range of archival resources previously untapped by scholars, the text goes beyond just these officers’ service in the regiment and tells the story of the men who included governors, a college president, land speculators, physicians, and officers in many other British regular and provincial regiments. Included in these ranks were an Irishman who would serve in the U.S. Congress and as an American general at Yorktown; a landed aristocrat who represented Bath as a member of Parliament; and a naval surgeon on the ship transporting Benjamin Franklin to France. This is the history of the American Revolutionary period from a most gripping and everyday perspective. An epilogue covers the Royal Irish’s history after returning to England and its part in defending against both the Franco-Spanish invasion attempt and the Gordon Rioters. With an essay on sources and a complete bibliography, this is a treat for professional and amateur historians alike.

“The best single-volume history of the Revolution I have read.” —Howard Zinn Upon its initial publication, Ray Raphael’s magisterial A People’s History of the American Revolution was hailed by NPR’s Fresh Air as “relentlessly aggressive and unsentimental.” With impeccable skill, Raphael presented a wide array of fascinating scholarship within a single volume, employing a bottom-up approach that has served as a revelation. A People’s History of the American Revolution draws upon diaries, personal letters, and other Revolutionary-era treasures, weaving a thrilling “you are there” narrative—“a tapestry that uses individual experiences to illustrate the larger stories”. Raphael shifts the focus away from George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to the slaves they owned, the Indians they displaced, and the men and boys who did the fighting (Los Angeles Times Book Review). This “remarkable perspective on a familiar part of American history” helps us appreciate more fully the incredible diversity of the American Revolution (Kirkus Reviews). “Through letters, diaries, and other accounts, Raphael shows these individuals—white women and men of the farming and laboring classes, free and enslaved African Americans, Native Americans, loyalists, and religious pacifists—acting for or against the Revolution and enduring a war that compounded the difficulties of everyday life.” —Library Journal “A tour de force . . . Ray Raphael has probably altered the way in which future historians will see events.” —The Sunday Times

First Americans provides a comprehensive history of Native Americans from their earliest appearance in North America to the present, highlighting the complexity and diversity of their cultures and their experiences. Native voices permeate the text and shape its narrative, underlining the agency and vitality of Native peoples and cultures in the context of regional, continental, and global developments. This updated edition of First Americans continues to trace Native experiences through the Obama administration years and up to the present day. The book includes a variety of pedagogical tools including short biographical profiles, key review questions, a rich series of maps and illustrations, chapter chronologies, and recommendations for further reading. Lucid and readable yet rigorous in its coverage, First Americans remains the indispensable student introduction to Native American history.

Introducing the "Osage Tribe: From Hunters to Oil Barons" Book Bundle Delve into the captivating world of the Osage Tribe, a riveting journey through time, resilience, and cultural evolution. Embark on a comprehensive exploration of the Osage Nation's extraordinary history and the profound impact of their journey from ancient roots to becoming oil barons in the modern era. This unique book bundle offers a compelling collection of four meticulously researched volumes, each illuminating a crucial chapter in the Osage Tribe's captivating saga. Book 1 - From Ancient Roots to Modern Horizons: The Osage Nation's Journey Through Time Unearth the foundational roots of the Osage people as we take you on a thrilling expedition through their ancestral homeland and traditions. Discover how the Osage Nation navigated trials and tribulations, surviving colonial encroachments while fiercely preserving their cultural identity. Witness the transformation of a tribe whose roots run deep, shaping their modern horizons and aspirations. Book 2 - Blood Money and Black Gold: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI Step into the shadows of a dark era in Osage history as we delve into the chilling tale of the Osage Murders. Uncover the disturbing consequences of their oil wealth and the ensuing birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Explore a gripping narrative that unveils the indomitable spirit of the Osage people, seeking justice amidst a web of intrigue and betrayal. Book 3 - Cultural Renaissance: Osage Art, Language, and Identity in the 21st Century Witness the vibrant resurgence of Osage culture in the modern age. Immerse yourself in the reawakening of Osage art, language, and traditions as the tribe embraces their cultural heritage while adapting to the challenges of the 21st century. Experience a renaissance that celebrates their identity and artistic expressions, honoring the past while flourishing in the present. Book 4 - Sovereignty and Struggles: The Osage Tribe's Legal Battles and Political Activism Engage in the dynamic landscape of Osage sovereignty, where legal battles and political activism have shaped their destiny. Delve into the tribe's struggle to reclaim ancestral lands and navigate the complexities of federal policies. Witness their unwavering commitment to self-determination, ensuring their voice is heard in the corridors of power. Why Choose the "Osage Tribe: From Hunters to Oil Barons" Book Bundle? Comprehensive Exploration: This book bundle offers a comprehensive and in-depth journey through the Osage Tribe's history, providing a multifaceted understanding of their cultural evolution. Engaging Storytelling: Each volume is meticulously crafted, presenting a captivating narrative that will keep you turning the pages, eager to uncover the next chapter. Historical Accuracy: The Osage Tribe's history is carefully researched, ensuring that you gain accurate insights into their journey from the past to the present. Cultural Appreciation: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Osage people, experiencing their traditions, art, and language through vivid storytelling. Inspiration and Resilience: The Osage Tribe's journey serves as a source of inspiration, showcasing the strength and resilience of Indigenous communities worldwide. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative literary journey through the Osage Tribe's history, from their ancient roots to the heights of oil wealth. Immerse yourself in a captivating narrative that highlights the indomitable spirit of a people who have shaped their destiny while preserving their cultural identity. Discover the enduring legacy of the Osage Tribe as they transition from hunters to oil barons in this exceptional book bundle. Secure your copy of the "Osage Tribe: From Hunters to Oil Barons" Book Bundle today and experience the power of storytelling that celebrates the human spirit and the richness of cultural heritage.

In this sweeping saga that spans empires, peoples, and nations, M. Scott Heerman chronicles the long history of slavery in the heart of the continent and traces its many iterations through law and social practice. Arguing that slavery had no fixed institutional form, Heerman traces practices of slavery through indigenous, French, and finally U.S. systems of captivity, inheritable slavery, lifelong indentureship, and the kidnapping of free people. By connecting the history of indigenous bondage to that of slavery and emancipation in the Atlantic world, Heerman shows how French, Spanish, and Native North American practices shaped the history of slavery in the United States. The Alchemy of Slavery foregrounds the diverse and adaptable slaving practices that masters deployed to build a slave economy in the Upper Mississippi River Valley, attempting to outmaneuver their antislavery opponents. In time, a formidable cast of lawyers and antislavery activists set their sights on ending slavery in Illinois. Abraham Lincoln, Lyman Trumbull, Richard Yates, and many other future leaders of the Republican party partnered with African Americans to wage an extended campaign against slavery in the region. Across a century and a half, slavery's nearly perpetual reinvention takes center stage: masters turning Indian captives into slaves, slaves into servants, former slaves into kidnapping victims; and enslaved people turning themselves into free men and women.

Now in its third edition, First Americans has been fully updated to trace Native Americans' experiences through the 2020 election and the Biden administration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the crisis of murdered and missing indigenous women. This book provides a comprehensive history of Native Americans from their earliest appearances in North America to the present, highlighting the complexity and diversity of their cultures and experiences. Contrasting the misconception that Native Americans were consistently victims without power, native voices permeate the text and shape its narrative, underlining the vitality of native peoples and cultures in the context of regional, continental, and global developments. The new edition highlights the role of Native Americans as agents of resistance and progress, rooted in the perspective that their activism has been instrumental throughout history and in the present day. To enrich student understanding, the book also includes a variety of pedagogical tools including short biographical profiles, key review questions, a rich series of maps and illustrations, chapter chronologies, a glossary, and recommendations for further reading. Spanning centuries of developments into the present day, First Americans is the approachable, essential student introduction to Native American history.