A Brief History of the Revolutionary War

Originally published in 1906 as a section of the author's larger "School History of the United States," A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR describes the causes, campaigns, and results of America's war for independence. CONTENTS I. Before the War II. Causes of the War III. The Continental Congress; Bunker Hill IV. Declaration of Independence V. Military Movements of 1776 VI. Struggle for the Hudson Valley VII. Movements of Washington VIII. Foreign Aid IX. War on the Frontier X. War on the Sea XI. Stony Point; Arnold's Treason XII. War in the South Sample passage: When it was rumored that the soldiers would be sent on a certain night, Paul Revere stood by his steed waiting for a lantern signal in a church tower. When he saw it, he started on his midnight ride to apprise the people. When he reached the little town of Lexington, someone said that he was making too much noise and would awaken the people. "Noise," cried Revere, "you'll soon have noise enough; the regulars are coming." On came the soldiers and when they reached Lexington, a fight occurred in which several were killed. The troops then moved on to Concord. But the farmers, having heard of their coming, seized their muskets and swarmed into Concord by hundreds. A fierce fight ensued. The British were beaten and started to run; but the farmers kept after them, and from behind trees, fences, thickets, and hillocks they poured an incessant fire into the retreating enemy. No doubt the whole British force would have been killed or captured had not General Gage sent reinforcements, who met the fleeing army at Lexington.