logo

58 pages 1 hour read

American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Alan Taylor

American Revolutions

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

704

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 18th Century

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804, Alan Taylor reexamines the period leading to the birth of the United States, challenging the traditional narrative of a unified struggle for independence by highlighting the diverse experiences of Indigenous Americans, enslaved Africans, loyalists, and patriots, while exploring themes such as liberty's contradictions, international dynamics, and federalism's role in shaping the nation. The book includes discussions on violence, slavery, and the displacement of Indigenous peoples, reflecting the period’s brutality and the suffering of marginalized groups.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.4

1,948 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alan Taylor's American Revolutions offers a nuanced and comprehensive examination of the American Revolutionary era. Critics praise its depth of research and engaging narrative. However, some find the density of detail overwhelming. Taylor's balanced perspective challenges traditional views, making it both enlightening and demanding.

Who should read this

Who Should Read American Revolutions?

Readers who enjoy American Revolutions by Alan Taylor will likely have an interest in historical analysis and narratives focused on the American Revolutionary period. This book is suitable for fans of 1776 by David McCullough and Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis. It appeals to those who appreciate comprehensive, scholarly accounts of America's past.

4.4

1,948 ratings

88%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Character List

Alan Taylor

A historian known for examining early American history with depth and nuance, focusing on the varied aspects of the American Revolution, including marginalized perspectives.

An influential statesman, inventor, and diplomat whose efforts in securing French support and contributing to foundational American documents highlight his pivotal role in the Revolution.

The principal author of the Declaration of Independence whose ideas on agrarian values and individual rights helped shape the new nation, despite personal contradictions regarding slavery.

A key woman in Revolution-era America, known for her letters advocating for women's rights and providing insight into the political and social changes of her time.

The leader of the Continental Army whose military strategy was crucial to American victory, and whose presidency laid groundwork for the United States, despite his own contradictions.

A founding figure in American financial and political development, championing a strong federal government and centralized banking system, sparking significant political debates.

A central figure in drafting the Declaration of Independence, Adams played a vital diplomatic role in securing European support and navigated presidency challenges for the young republic.

An enslaved African-American poet who challenged racial barriers with her writings, engaging with Revolutionary ideals and contributing to the intellectual landscape of the era.

Book Details
Pages

704

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 18th Century

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.