American Revolution Podcast

Colonel John Butler leads Butler's Rangers, along with various Iroquois warriors to the Wyoming Valley in what is today northeastern Pennsylvania. At the time, the land was disputed between Connecticut Yankees who supported the patriots and Pennsylvania Pennamites who backed the loyalists. With local Pennamite support, Colonel John Butler captures a Patriot fort. An opposing patriot force led by C...

General Robert Howe struggles his own subordinates Continental officers, State leaders, and militia, in addition to the enemy as he attempts to secure Georgia and fend off threats from British-held Florida. His command leads to a duel with South Carolina Lt. Gov. Christopher Gadsden. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Reco...

In July 1778, the first French fleet sails into Delaware Bay. It drops off the new French Minister, Conrad Alexandre Gerard, as well as returning diplomat Silas Deane. Congress receives the French delegation in the newly recaptured capital of Philadelphia. Admiral d'Estaing sails to New York Harbor to confront the British Navy. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, picture...

In late June 1778, the British Army halts its retreat from Philadelphia to New York to confront the pursuing Continentals. General Charles Lee begins a retreat in the face of the British assault. General Washington arrives on the field to turn around the army and force the British from the field. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this top...

William "Larry" Kidder, author of the book Revolutionary Princeton 1774-1783, talks about life in Princeton, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Revolution Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/grou...

After the British evacuation of Philadelphia in the summer of 1778, the Continental Army crosses into New Jersey to confront the British before they can reach New York City.   Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: A Handsome Flogging: The Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, by William R. Griffith On...

The British Army evacuates Philadelphia on June 18, 1778, abandoning many loyalist residents, and a city devastated by nearly nine months of occupation. Visit my site at blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Revolutionary Princeton 1774-1783, by William L. Kidder Online Recommendation of the Week: Assessment of Damages Don...

The loss at Saratoga and France's entry into the war prompts British leaders to repeal all offensive laws and send a new peace commission to America, ready to concede anything, short of full independence. By this time, however, the Americans are unwilling to accept anything less than independence. Despites months of attempted negotiation, the Commission fails to end the war. Visit my site at https...

British General Robert Pigot, in command of the British garrison at Newport, deploys several raiding parties in the region to destroy American efforts to launch an attack on Newport. The British raid Warren and Bristol, Rhode Island, as well as Freetown, Massachusetts. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of t...

Interview with author David Price about his new book: John Haslet's World Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Revolution Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/132651894048271 Join the podcast mail list: https://mailchi.mp/d3445a9cd244...

Lafayette leaps ahead of other generals to take a division command in the spring of 1778. The British throw a massive party for the departing General Howe in Philadelphia. Following the party, the British learn that Lafayette has crossed the Schuylkill near Philadelphia. They mobilize the regulars and Hessians to capture the young general, but Lafayette eludes capture. Visit my site at https://blo...

During the winter when the Continental Army regrouped at Valley Forge and the British occupied Philadelphia, Pennsylvania militia attempted to control the area in between the two armies. At the same time, various loyalist groups attempted to assert control, or at least take advantage of weaknesses in patriot defenses. One such group was the Doan Gang, which spied for the British and embarked on a...

The British Army occupies Philadelphia over the winter of 1777-78. They discover that the capture of America's leading city is more trouble than it is worth. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Sullivan, Aaron The Disaffected: Britain's Occupation of Philadelphia During the American Revolution, U...

The Americans construct a chain across the Hudson River to prevent further British incursions up into the Hudson Valley. To protect the chain, they build a series of forts, one in an island in the river and more on the western side of the river. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Peasant Pri...

Escaping from the law, Captain John Paul finds his way to America, changes his name to Jones, and after the Revolution begins, joins the Continental Navy. He overcomes many frustrations to bring a naval ship to France. From there, his ship raids the English shore and captures the Drake. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book R...

Interview with author Christian McBurney about his new book: George Washington's Nemesis: The Outrageous Treason and Unfair Court-Martial of Major General Charles Lee during the Revolutionary War. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for a complete transcript as well as links to other works by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Revo...

Over the winter of 1777-78. General Washington and General Howe try to come to an agreement to exchange prisoners of War. While an agreed cartel proves elusive, their efforts see the return of General Charles Lee and Colonel Ethan Allen. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Captives of Liberty: Pr...

Americans under General Anthony Wayne and Navel Captain John Barry engage in a series of raids along southern New Jersey. Wayne's mission to seize cattle to bring back to the starving soldiers at Valley Forge.  Barry helps Wayne get his force across the Delaware River, then tries to distract the British. He ends up capturing and scuttling several British vessels. In response, the British in Philad...

In the midst of war, the people living in the disputed land between New York and New Hampshire declare themselves to be the independent Republic of Vermont. The new radical constitution is the first to abolish slavery, grant universal suffrage for all men, and guarantee public education for children. The other colonies refuse to recognize Vermont Independence, which must struggle for more than a d...

The Continental Navy struggles to find a useful role in the war effort. Congress cahiers the navy's commander Esek Hopkins, and does not replace him. The navy carries John Adams to France to begin his diplomatic career. Captain Nicolas Biddle of the Randolph does battle with the British warship, Yarmouth.   Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources...

Author Michael C. Harris discusses the battle of Germantown and his new book about the battle. Germantown a Military History of the Battle for Philadelphia, October 4th, 1777. Savas Beatie, 2020.   Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for a full text transcript, pictures, maps, and more books by the author. Follow the podcast on Twitter @AmRevPodcast Join the Facebook group, American Re...

A down on his luck Prussian officer makes his way to America. There he obtains appointment as the army's Inspector General and trains the soldiers in formal military drill. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Arm...

By the end of 1777, British leaders in London express serious doubts about winning the war in America. After hearing news of Burgoyne's surrender and the French Alliance with America, Britain must make drastic changes. It declares war on France, then redeploys much of its army and navy to other parts of the Empire. The new North American Commander, Sir Henry Clinton must hold his forces in a defen...

In 1778, the American Commissioners in Paris convince French King Louis XVI to sign a treaty of alliance and a treaty of amity and commerce, recognizing the US as an independent nation. The revelation of this alliance forces Britain to declare war on France. Visit my site at https://blog. AmRevPodcast.com for more text, pictures, maps, and sources on this topic. Book Recommendation of the Week: Th...

Washington's Continentals suffer a lack of food, clothing and shelter as it struggles to get through the winter at Valley Forge. At the same time, it must contest a British move into Darby in search of forage. Captain "light horse Harry" Lee distinguishes himself during this time. Americans also capture a British ship on the Delaware river. Washington fights with Congress to get what he needs to m...