Osprey Essential Histories Compellation 7 : Liberty or Death : Wars That Forged A Nation

At the beginning of the 18th century, America was a colonized land with European countries squabbling over its many natural resources. In 1754, the French-Indian War broke out as a decisive battle between the French and British for control of North America. Britain's victory led to greater governmental involvement in the American colonies that developed into rebellion in 1775. Following the American Revolution, the USA and Britain shared an uneasy peace that erupted in war again in 1812; the ensuing conflict tore through the American frontier. This book examines the wars in North America from the French-Indian War until the end of the War of 1812, which brought lasting peace between Britain and the United States. Text by Daniel Marston, Carl Benn and Fred Anderson.

Contents

• Foreword

• The French-Indian War 1754-1760
• Introduction
• Chronology
• Background to War : Tension in the Ohio River Valley
• Warring Sides : The French and British Armies in North America
• Outbreak : Entry of the Regular Soldiers
• The Fighting : War of the Forest and Fortress
• Portrait of a Soldier : Joshua Goodenough : A Roger's Ranger
• The World around War : The Economic and Civilian Costs
• Portrait of a Civilian : Jean Lowry and Titus King
• How the War Ended : Treaty of Paris and the Indian Uprising
• Conclusion and Consequences : Ramifications for the Future

• The American Revolution 1775-1783
• Introduction
• Chronology
• Background to War : Colonial Agitation
• Warring Sides : Linear and Irregular Warfare
• Outbreak : Shot Heard Round the World
• The Fighting
• Portrait of a Soldier : Massachusetts Professional
• The World around War : War on the Homefront
• Portrait of a Civilian : Boston Loyalist
• How the War Ended : Stalemate
• Conclusion and Consequences : Influence of the American Revolution

• The War of 1812
• Introduction
• Chronology
• Background to War : A Small War with Complex Causes
• Warring Sides : Soldiers, Sailors and Warriors
• Outbreak : America sets its sights on Canada
• The Fighting : The War on Land and at Sea
• Portrait of a Soldier : Black Hawk's War
• The World around War : Propaganda and Protest
• Portrait of a Civilian : John Strachan's War
• How the War Ended : The Peace of Christmas Eve
• Conclusion and Consequences : The World's Longest Undefended Border?

• Bibliography
• Index