Contributor.
Let's revisit some of the Revolutionary War fights that "turned the world upside down."
By sunset on June 17, 1775, the British military understood that new battlefield tactics were in play and they did not have a copy of the playbook.
After months of strenuous debate and indecision, how did the summer of '76 evolve into the summer of revolution?
Why did Congress decide to create a written document regarding independence?
In May 1775, some delegates harbored a hope for reconciliation, but that option seemed to be disappearing.
None of the delegates of the Second Continental Congress had any experience in "birthing a nation," but they were learning.
Choosing freedom meant engaging in a war in which the colonial delegates knew many would die.
The Sons of Liberty had an intelligence network that would rival today's CIA.
More colonists began to perceive the threat that accompanied the enactment of harsh laws via the "Intolerable Acts."
Their ideas regarding the rights of English citizens — the rights of the colonists — went beyond just taxation.
Depictions of "The Boston Massacre" and the accompanying propaganda roused strong emotions among colonists.
The colonies found themselves saddled with what they believed was an unfair obligation to help pay for the cost of the French and Indian War.
The French and Indian War was fought to decide the future of the upper Ohio River Valley.
The Glorious Revolution might be considered a precedent for the future American Revolution.
From New Hampshire to Georgia, the colonies were settled by risk-takers.
The vision shared by the Puritans is most easily understood by delving into John Winthrop's speech, "A Model of Christian Charity."
Just mention the Mayflower and hearts begin to flutter with memories of childhood stories and elementary school pageants.
Captain John Smith stepped forward and the Jamestown settlement morphed into a community based on military-style discipline.
It's difficult to imagine how differently our country might have developed had either the Spanish or French gained control.
With the Protestant Reformation, what had been simple suddenly became controversial.
