Synopses & Reviews
At 4 a.m. 19 April 1775, the advance contingent of a 2,000-man British force marched into Lexington, Massachusetts, and confronted 77 colonists drawn up on the village green. A musket shot was fired, the British attacked, and the American Revolution began -- with most of the colonists blissfully unaware that they were about to go to war against the world's most powerful monarchy.
Drawing on diaries, letters, official documents and memoirs, William H. Hallahan follows the news of Lexington and Concord as it sweeps across the colonies, setting cities, small towns, villages and farms afire. As word reaches people from all walks of life, the author chronicles their reactions and provides striking insights into lives both ordinary and mythic -- from jubilant rebel leaders like Samuel Adams to suddenly apprehensive Loyalists; from farmers and shopkeepers, statesmen and aristocrats, to traitors, spies, opportunists, street thugs and cowards.
Like no previous book, The Day the American Revolution Began captures the spirit of the times and the vitality of those who took part in one of the most extraordinary events in history.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 311-315) and index.
About the Author
William H. Hallahan is the author of both fiction and nonfiction. His previous book, Misfire, covered the history of U.S. military shoulder arms and the men who carried them into battle. He lives in New Jersey.