What Was the American Revolutionary War?

This week, we explore what is arguably the most consequential event in the creation of the United States, reshaping the Western world by enshrining new concepts of liberty, equality, and self-governance. So I want to know what really caused it, why people risked their lives for it, and how are modern day debates about power, justice and identity still shaped by it, as I ask… what is the American Revolutionary War?

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Special guest for this episode:

1. Liz Covart, the award-winning creator and host of Ben Franklin’s World. Her work, both academic and public, shines in exploring how early Americans navigated 18th-century complexity: loyalty and revolution, community and conflict, the realities of freedom and the challenges of pluralism. She is also the founder of Scholar.DIY, a public benefit company that empowers scholars to transform their expertise into compelling digital stories.

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Highlights from this episode:

02:56 - A world of empires

08:51 - Taxation without representation

17:21 - The revolution for social mobility

25:48 - Shaping American identity

29:27 - Key battles

34:12 - A mutual enemy

39:22 - The defining moments in America's victory

45:06 - Impact of independence on marginalised groups

49:29 - Liberty and equality for some

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Additional Resources:

1. Encyclopedia Britannica: Timeline of the American Revolution — Detailed chronology and major themes
2. American Battlefield Trust: Revolution Timeline — Comprehensive timeline, maps, major battles
3. Library of Congress: Revolution Primary Sources — Original documents and teaching resources
4. Have Fun With History: 10 Most Important People in the American Revolution — In-depth profiles and legacy discussions
5. Mount Vernon: 10 Facts About the Revolutionary War — Focus on George Washington’s leadership and decision-making
6. American Revolution.org: Best Primary Sources — Diaries, letters, maps, memoirs, political cartoons
7. Khan Academy: Philosophical Foundations of the Revolution — Enlightenment, natural rights, social contract
8. History Education Foundation: Key Ideas of the American Revolution — Summarizes liberty, equality, self-governance, republicanism
9. Fiveable: Philosophical Foundations Study Guide — Detailed overview of major intellectual influences
10. JSTOR: The American Revolution, A Philosophical Interpretation — Academic deep dive into the ideological legacy
11. American Battlefield Trust: France in the American Revolution — Military alliance background, impact, and aftermath
12. World History Encyclopedia: French Involvement — Social, financial, and diplomatic dimensions
13. Smithsonian: The Impact of the Revolution Abroad — Influence in Europe, global response
14. American Battlefield Trust: Battle Facts and Summaries — Maps, analyses, and narratives
15. Ideological Origins of the American Revolution — Enlightenment and revolutionary ideology
16. Patrick Henry — Iconic oratory and the Constitution
17. Valley Forge — Hardship and transformation
18. The Revolution's African American Soldiers — Untold stories of military service
19. Women and the Constitutional Moment of 1787 — Gender, citizenship, and constitutional debates
20. American Revolution.org Primary Sources — First-person narratives, letters, cartoons, and maps
21. Schoolshistory.org.uk: American Revolution Primary Sources — British and colonial perspectives, visual collections
22. 10 Best American Revolution Podcasts To Follow — Discover more expert interviews and stories
23. Ben Franklin’s World: Official Podcast Homepage — Full episode archive, show notes, and guest bios

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And if you like this episode, you might also love:

Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?

Is America an Empire?

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This episode is sponsored by What's Your Map

What's Your Map is the British Podcast Award-winning show from map expert Professor Jerry Brotton. In each episode, he invites a special guest to share a map that means something to them. It's a fascinating show, and you can listen to the new season right now: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/whats-your-map/id1766500219