American Revolution
How America’s independence from England revolutionized US philanthropy
US charitable institutions rapidly changed in the 1780s as Americans established groups to support people in need and to reform society.
How out‑of‑work fishermen saved the American Revolution
A British ban stripped thousands of skilled mariners of their livelihoods overnight – and gave Washington a chance to turn the tide.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson disagreed about the American Revolution’s meaning even as they lay dying
The founding generation in America was not of one mind. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson differed on crucial ideas, but exemplify the capacity for people to disagree and yet work for a common cause.
The American Revolution’s triumphant story of democracy and freedom overlooks loyalists who paid a steep price for allegiance to Britain
Matthias Aspden was a wealthy Philadelphia businessman who remained faithful to Britain. As a result, he lost his home, property and sense of belonging, and died in exile.