Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence by Joseph J. Ellis

Review: This book covers both American political and military maneuvers from May through October 1776 using straightforward prose. Mr. Ellis tells a dramatic story of how political and military interconnectedness contributed to the birth of the United States. More than a little luck was involved in the first few months of the American war for independence. Everything seemed to be lined up just right to help the new republic survive. King George III prematurely dispatched thousands of troops leading the colonists to abandon any remaining hopes of a diplomatic solution creating a unanimous resolve for independence. The overconfident British military more than once allowed the Continental army to escape to fight another day rather than wiping it out for a swift decisive victory. This turned out to be a major blunder as General Washington’s forces were never as vulnerable as in that summer of 1776. Even in the face of series of defeats and retreats, the Continental Congress remained irrationally committed to their revolutionary cause. I recommend this book for anyone who likes American history or anyone looking for an appropriate read this Independence Day.