Reprint of the 1974 ed. published by the University of Virginia.
Summary
Concise account of the events leading up to the passage of the first of the Coercive Acts in 1774, and the immediate causes of the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Takes issue with the view that the colonies were torn by factionalism, and argues that a remarkable and genuine unity existed among the American colonists, and that the Coercive Acts provided the basis for it. Focuses on the first Continental Congress, the first step in building the revolutionary movement, its debates and decisions, and presents evidence of colonial unity in the account of the Committees of Correspondence.
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (pages 157-161) and index.
Contents
The die is cast -- Heeding Boston's plea -- The debate on nonimportation : why the Tories failed -- Beyond tea and taxes : the constitutional crisis -- Listing American grievances : a rationale for resistance -- Resistance short of war : the Continental association -- A note on consensus -- Great Britain declares war -- The last event.