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?...Special guest for this episode: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....Highlights from this episode:02:56 - A world of empires08:51 - Taxation without representation17:21 - The revolution for social mobility25:48 - Shaping American identity29:27 - Key battles34:12 - A mutual enemy39:22 - The defining moments in America's victory45:06 - Impact of independence on marginalised groups49:29 - Liberty and equality for some...Additional Resources:Encyclopedia Britannica: Timeline of the American Revolution — Detailed chronology and major themesAmerican Battlefield Trust: Revolution Timeline — Comprehensive timeline, maps, major battlesLibrary of Congress: Revolution Primary Sources — Original documents and teaching resourcesHave Fun With History: 10 Most Important People in the American Revolution — In-depth profiles and legacy discussionsMount Vernon: 10 Facts About the Revolutionary War — Focus on George Washington’s leadership and decision-makingAmerican Revolution.org: Best Primary Sources — Diaries, letters, maps, memoirs, political cartoonsKhan Academy: Philosophical Foundations of the Revolution — Enlightenment, natural rights, social contractHistory Education Foundation: Key Ideas of the American Revolution — Summarizes liberty, equality, self-governance, republicanismFiveable: Philosophical Foundations Study Guide — Detailed overview of major intellectual influencesJSTOR: The American Revolution, A Philosophical Interpretation — Academic deep dive into the ideological legacyAmerican Battlefield Trust: France in the American Revolution — Military alliance background, impact, and aftermathWorld History Encyclopedia: French Involvement — Social, financial, and diplomatic dimensionsSmithsonian: The Impact of the Revolution Abroad — Influence in Europe, global responseAmerican Battlefield Trust: Battle Facts and Summaries — Maps, analyses, and narrativesIdeological Origins of the American Revolution — Enlightenment and revolutionary ideologyPatrick Henry — Iconic oratory and the ConstitutionValley Forge — Hardship and transformationThe Revolution's African American Soldiers — Untold stories of military serviceWomen and the Constitutional Moment of 1787 — Gender, citizenship, and constitutional debatesAmerican Revolution.org Primary Sources — First-person narratives, letters, cartoons, and mapsSchoolshistory.org.uk: American Revolution Primary Sources — British and colonial perspectives, visual collections10 Best American Revolution Podcasts To Follow — Discover more expert interviews and storiesBen Franklin’s World: Official Podcast Homepage — Full episode archive, show notes, and guest bios...And if you like this episode, you might also love:Why Did the USA Drop Atomic Bombs on Japan?Is America an Empire?...Contact us: [email protected] the community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/americathestoryoftheusa - use code USA26 for 50% off your first monthGet the newsletter: https://america-the-story-of-the-usa.beehiiv.com/Brand & advertising enquiries: [email protected] to advertise with us and support the American Studies community?Email [email protected] and let's talk.Mentioned in this episode:This episode is sponsored by What's Your MapWhat'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