Ordinary Americans in the Revolution

A first look at the roles common people played in the revolution and its impact on them.

An assessment of the reality of urban poverty in colonial America in the 1760s.

The experience of Jane Mecom, the sister of Benjamin Franklin.

A broad look at commerce in the pre-revolution American colonies.

The story of Mackintosh, a shoemaker who led mass protests against the British.

The story of the British occupation of Boston after violent reprisals against the officials.

Recounting the Boston Massacre, which killed five colonists.

An overview of the competing interest groups among the protesters in the pre-revolution period.

Insight into how George Robert Twelves Hewes's exploits made him famous.

Insight into how Congress turned a Massachusetts insurgency into the American revolution.

Insight into how Thomas Paine came to write "Common Sense," a 47-page pamphlet that helped catalyze the movement for independence.

Insight into the evolution of the Continental Army into an effective fighting force, and what became of those who served.

The story of Deborah Sampson and her 17-month stint as a male soldier in the Continental Army.

Insight into the experiences of the colonists who did not take up arms during the revolution.

Insight into how Mary Silliman's life reflected the stories of thousands of women who made many sacrifices amid the revolution.

Insight into why a majority of Native tribes sided with the British during the conflict.

Insight into how Molly Brant's intel and support for Native refugees made her renowned.

Insight into African Americans' varied roles amid the war.

The story of Thomas Jeremiah, a wealthy free African American who was unfairly convicted of fomenting a slave rebellion.

Insight into the violence between loyalists and patriots, and the exile of the former group.

Insight into how Harry Washington came to serve in the British army's African American unit.

Insight into how the workers embraced the protest tactics that they exercised during the resistance.

The story of how 1200 farmers participated in the storming of a federal arsenal under the leadership of former Continental Army soldier Daniel Shays.

Insight into the political roles of women in the decades after the revolution.

Martha Ballard's diary records her long and rich life during and after the revolution.

Insight into how slavery declined in the North and thrived in the South at the same time.

Insight into how Richard Allen became one of the most significant African American leaders of the young republic.

Reflecting on the legacy of the American Revolution.