The American Reveloution

In “The American Revolution: A History”, Gordon S. Wood takes readers through the significance of every event leading up to the American Revolution, a chapter on the war itself, and post-war events. Wood begins by describing the migration to North America, and the shift of main exports and imports, and British Reform. As the colonies begin to resist British Reform, Wood describes the reaction of Great Britain and the debate of imperialism. The fight for independence is discussed, as well as the process of writing the Declaration of Independence. A brief summary of the war along with the facts behind the conflicts caused by the Articles of Confederation is presented. Wood then presents how the post war events shaped our country, and what role they play in politics today. Two chapters are dedicated to Republicanism and Republican society. Wood finishes with a beautiful description of how the Constitution was written, the Convention at Philadelphia, and the Federalist- Anti-Federalist debate.

The American Revolution is about its origins, its character, and its consequences and not its morality. Wood chooses to focus more on the character of the revolution, than whether it was good or bad. Throughout the text, the details of the revolution are based on this principle.

Wood effectively presents information on the revolution. He expands the readers knowledge about the circumstances, emotions, and every detail surrounding each event leading up to the war and each event leading to the writing of the constitution. Wood does a very good job of incorporating his thesis into every detail of the text. Never once is any historical character condemned as right or wrong. The fact that he chooses not to judge any action during the war, shows that he is not bias. He covers both points of view fully and fairly.

“The American Revolution: A History” most fits the category of social history. Wood attempts to view historical evidence