The American Revolution is a very complicated event. Normally revolutions begin in countries suffering from famine, want and oppression. For the most part, these reasons were lacking at the outbreak of the American Revolution. If these problems were not present, then why did this great conflict begin?
Benjamin Franklin believed that the Revolution began because England had become similar to an old mother incapable of letting her now-grown children walk alone.
Similarly, Theodore Roosevelt stated that the Revolution started because the American Colonies had matured into a country without England realizing this important fact. Britain still held the belief that the Colonies were too immature to rule themselves. Consequently, the mother country was needed to make the important decisions for North America.
So the issues relating to the control of the colonies lay behind the mounting differences with England. These tensions eventually set both nations on a collision course.
This outstanding book written by Janis Herbert details the many events comprising the American Revolution. The writing is superb and many fascinating details are included. The name of this fine history is "The American Revolution for Kids."
With the end of the French and Indian War in 1763, England became the dominant power in North America. Unfortunately, the war left the English government with large war debts. Money is normally raised through new taxes, and the British government began proposing a number of revenue proposals.
As subjects of the kingdom, the British felt the Americans should pay more of the cost of the British Empire. The Americans responded by stating they had already paid for the war through increased taxes and by suffering many causalities. The British were unmoved and instituted taxes on tea, paper, stamps and other projects.
In addition to having to pay more money in taxes, the Americans also felt that they had no say in the political process. This turned into the cry of "no taxation without representation."
Herbert repeatedly points to turning points in the escalating struggle between England and the colonies. For example, after the famous Boston Tea Party, the British government forced the Intolerable Acts and other laws on the colonies. Boston Harbor was closed; the Massachusetts legislature dissolved, the ruined tea was to be paid for by the colonists and the borders of Quebec extended into New England. With these threatening actions by the Crown, war finally broke out.
Throughout this book, that author fills fascinating sidebars with information about famous Revolutionary men and women.
In addition to the descriptions of many battles during the war, the author further engages young readers by including recipes from the 1700s and actual games played by colonial children. Herbert continues teaching students through the participation in real life activities, such as colonial bread baking and learning how to churn butter. This gives the book an authentic life quality that draws children into the colonial period and the Revolutionary War.
This title would be an outstanding addition to any 5th- to 7th-grade social studies class on the subject of the Revolutionary War. It is packed with information, pictures, drawings and other interesting facts.
Teachers and parents would do well to encourage their students and children to read this book. It is well worth the effort. Enjoy!
