I speak with award winning author Joseph Ellis about his new book, The Cause: the American Revolution and its Discontents 1773-1783. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book: The Cause: the American Revolution and its Discontents 1773-1783. Online: https://www.josephellishistorian.com Join the Facebook group, American Revolution Podcast: https://www.facebook.c...
Nov 18, 2021•1 hr 8 min
The British in New York capture Stony Point, threatening the Americans as West Point. After careful reconnaissance, General Anthony Wayne leads a surprise night attack to retake the point in July 1779. The Americans then withdraw with prisoners and the fort's contents, and allow the British to reclaim the point. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recomme...
Nov 14, 2021•35 min•Ep. 225
When the British Fleet in the West Indies moves to protect a Merchant fleet, the French take advantage of the moment to capture the islands of St. Vincent and Grenada. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: An Empire Divided: The American Revolution and the British Caribbean, by Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy Online Recommendation ...
Nov 07, 2021•34 min•Ep. 224
As the British withdraw from Charleston back to Savannah in 1779, the Continentals and militia under General Benjamin Lincoln attack the rearguard at Stono Ferry. Royal Governor James Wright returns to Georgia. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Revolutionary Surgeons: Patriots and Loyalists on the Cutting Edge, by Per-Olof H...
Oct 31, 2021•32 min•Ep. 223
The American Revolution Podcast was recorded live onsite in Quakertown at the grand opening of the new Liberty & Co Store. We discuss local history, including the Walking Purchase, smuggling the liberty Bell, the Doan Gang, and Fries Rebellion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Oct 24, 2021•54 min
The Continental Congress uses 1779 to debate the terms of a peace treaty or compensation for the army. They have difficulty reaching any consensus. At the same time, Congress continues to emit paper Continental dollars which no one wants to accept. The ensuing inflation threatens to bring down the economy and the war effort. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast...
Oct 17, 2021•34 min•Ep. 222
Interview with award winning author Nathaniel Philbrick. We discuss his new book, Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book: Travels with George: In Search of Washington and His Legacy, by Nathaniel Philbrick. Online: https://www.nathanielphilbrick.com ----more---- Join the Facebook group, American Re...
Oct 14, 2021•54 min
Seeking to destroy Continental supplies, the British under Naval Captain George Collier and Army General Edward Mathew attack the Chesapeake Bay area in spring 1779. Shortly after the raids, Thomas Jefferson replaces Patrick Henry as governor of Virginia. Blog https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com includes a complete transcript, as well as pictures, and links related to this week's episode. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Lion of Liberty: Patrick Henry and t...
Oct 10, 2021•35 min•Ep. 221
May 1779: After American General Benjamin Lincoln moves from his base in South Carolina to reinforce August, British General Augustine Prevost takes a large foraging party of 2000 regulars into South Carolina. He hopes to collect forage and also to get Lincoln to pull back out of Georgia to protect Charleston. When Lincoln refuses to engage, the British army finds itself at the gates of Charleston, but without the forces to take the city. City leaders, fearing an assault, offer to drop out of th...
Oct 03, 2021•36 min•Ep. 220
Over much of 1779 General Arnold struggles to pay his debts, as well as keeping his new trophy wife in style. At the same time, a court martial to settle the charges against him keep being delayed. While Arnold struggles, British agents approach him with offers of money if he would assist in bringing the colonies back under royal authority. Arnold opens up negotiations with Major John André. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works ...
Sep 26, 2021•33 min•Ep. 219
In April, 1779 the Continental Army destroys the villages of the Onondaga Tribe in the initial phase of a larger operation against the Iroquois. Col. Goose Van Schaick leads the raid to remove this neutral tribe as a support system for loyalist raids into upstate New York. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Goose Van Schaick of Albany,...
Sep 19, 2021•33 min•Ep. 218
Spain signs the Treaty of Aranjuez with France, committing itself to war with Britain. Spain does not ally directly with the United States. It hopes to take advantage of Britain's current difficulties recover territories lost to the British, including Gibraltar, Menorca, and the Floridas. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Spain and th...
Sep 12, 2021•34 min•Ep. 217
When the Chickamauga under Dragging Canoe threaten settlements in Western Virginia and North Carolina, the militia under Colonel Even Shelby raid their villages. The raiders capture tons of supplies provided by British agents and scatter the warrior army. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Heart of the Eagle: Dragging Canoe & the E...
Sep 05, 2021•35 min•Ep. 216
Captain Gustavus Conyngham disrupts merchant shipping around Great Britain. His efforts earn him the moniker "The Dunkirk Pirate" from the British. He is captured several times but manages to escape. Upon returning to Philadelphia, the Continental Congress challenges his credentials and confiscates his ship. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of th...
Aug 29, 2021•33 min•Ep. 215
The British army threatens South Carolina in 1779. The Continental Congress supports a proposal to raise and army of slaves to defend the state. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: John Laurens and the American Revolution, by Gregory D. Massey Online Recommendation of the Week: Massey, Gregory D. “The Limits of Antislavery Thought in th...
Aug 22, 2021•35 min•Ep. 214
American forces led primarily by South Carolina militia, move into Georgia with the intent of restricting the movement of British forces within the colony. The British attack and disperse the rebel militia at Brier Creek. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Winning Independence, by John Ferling. Online Recommendation of the Week: An Unf...
Aug 15, 2021•34 min•Ep. 213
A British force from Augusta launches an attack on Port Royal, SC but is repelled by the South Carolina militia. A group of British loyalists raised in the Carolinas marches to Augusta but is decimated and largely dispersed at the battle of Kettle Creek. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Land and Allegiance in Revolutionary Georgia, b...
Aug 08, 2021•36 min•Ep. 212
British General William Tryon leads a raid on Horseneck Landing in Connecticut. Continental General Israel Putnam mounts a defense, then makes a daring escape. Following the raid, both armies settle into winter quarters: the British in New York City, and the Continentals in Watchung Mountains of New Jersey. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the...
Aug 01, 2021•33 min•Ep. 211
Over 1778-79, British Lt. Governor Henry Hamilton attempts to secure the Illinois Territory for Britain and encourages Indian attacks on Virginia settlers in Kentucky. In early 1779, Virginia Colonel George Rogers Clark captures the key forts in the region and takes Governor Hamilton as a prisoner. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Ge...
Jul 25, 2021•36 min•Ep. 210
Pennsylvania's new President Joseph Reed targets the military governor in Philadelphia, Benedict Arnold, for corruption and for siding with the city's Tories. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Benedict Arnold in Philadelphia, by Ray Thompson. Online Recommendation of the Week: Betsy Dublois: The Girl Who Got Away from Benedict Arnold:...
Jul 18, 2021•32 min•Ep. 209
With Savannah already secured by the end of 1778, the British under General Augustine Prévost capture Fort Morris just south of Savannah. They then move inland to occupy Augusta, while keeping the Continental Army under General Benjamin Lincoln across the border in South Carolina. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: Savannah, 1779 The B...
Jul 11, 2021•33 min•Ep. 208
I discuss the events leading up to independence, how the colonies made that dangerous leap to fight for independence. I also speak with Jason Mandresh of "Founder of the Day" founderoftheday.com or https://www.youtube.com/founderoftheday and Lee Wright from History Camp historycamp.org or thehistorylist.com. Also mentioned, interesting Revolutionary War-themed tours Culper Tri-Spy Tours http://www.culper.com Kyle Jenks - Join Kyle and Dana as James and Dolley Madison for this leisurely stroll ar...
Jul 04, 2021•1 hr 34 min
The North Ministry faces increase opposition in 1779 as more members of Parliament favor American independence. Meanwhile, France must put a stop to the War of Bavarian Succession so that in could focus on the war with Britain. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Book Recommendations of the Week: The Long Fuse: How England Lost the American Colonies, 1760-1785, by Don C...
Jun 27, 2021•36 min•Ep. 207
Dr. Lindsay Chervinsky, author of The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution, discusses the first Administration and how President Washington came to use his Cabinet. Visit my blog at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Revolution Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/132651894048271 Join the podcast mail list: https:/...
Jun 24, 2021•1 hr 8 min
The Commander of the Continental Army leaves for Philadelphia in December 1778 to confer with Congress. His plans to stay for only a few days drags into well over a month as events keep him occupied in the city. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Washington, the Indispensable Man, by James Flexner Online Recommendation of the Week: Itinerary of George Washington, from June 15, 1775, to December...
Jun 20, 2021•34 min•Ep. 206
A frustrated President Henry Laurens resigns. Congress elects John Jay to run Congress. It also investigates General William Thompson for allegedly bad mouthing Congress. The session is also filled with efforts to deal with the growing debt and related inflation of the Continental Dollar. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: John Jay: Founding Father, by Walter Stahr. Online Recommendation of the...
Jun 13, 2021•36 min•Ep. 205
Britain sends a force under Colonel Archibald Campbell to take Savannah, Georgia. A small defensive force under General Robert Howe attempts a defense but is easily outmaneuvered. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Southern Strategy: Britain’s Conquest of South Carolina and Georgia 1775-1780, By David K Wilson Online Recommendation of the Week: Sir Archibald Campbell of Inverneill; sometime...
Jun 06, 2021•34 min•Ep. 204
Late in 1778, Both France and Britain look for vulnerable islands in the West Indies. France captures the British Island of Dominica Britain captures St. Lucia before a the French fleet arrives from America. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: The American Revolution and the West Indies, by Charles W. Toth (ed) (or borrow the book for free on Archive.org). Online Recommendation of the Week: Foun...
May 30, 2021•33 min•Ep. 203
In the fall of 1778, Americans attack Indian villages at Unadilla and Onaquaga in upstate New York. In response, Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant and Major Walter Butler of Butler's Rangers attack the Americans at Cherry Valley, NY. They slaughter men, women, and children. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Iroquois in the American Revolution, by Barbara Graymont (or borrow the book for free on Ar...
May 23, 2021•33 min•Ep. 202
General Benedict Arnold struggles as military governor of Philadelphia. Radicals attack him for profiting from his office and for consorting with loyalists. Radicals execute collaborators while Arnold attempts to bring the city back together. Visit my site at https://blog.AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Tom Paine and Revolutionary America, by Eric Foner. Online Recommendation of the Week: The Edward Shippen Family: A Sea...
May 16, 2021•35 min•Ep. 201
