In this vivid and compelling narrative, the Seven Years' War–long seen as a mere backdrop to the American Revolution–takes on a whole n...
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Feb 12, 2012
Martin
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Historian Fred Anderson’s thesis in ‘Crucible of War’ is that by winning the Seven Years’ War, known in the colonies as the French and Indian War, Great Britain acquired an empire in North America whose people it could not coerce and vast lands it could not control. Thus, the subtitle is ‘The Seven Years’ War and the Fate of Empire in British North America, 1754-1766.’ The new empire would prove hollow.
In Anderson’s view, the tendency to use the Peace of Paris in 1763 as the startin More...
In Anderson’s view, the tendency to use the Peace of Paris in 1763 as the startin More...
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Aug 24, 2010
Chuck
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An excellently written book on the the French and Indian War. It covers the entire war from inception in Virginia and Washington's expeditions to the Froks of the Ohio, through the post war ramifications of English and Colony policies. It also summarizes the other theaters including European, Carribean, African, and Indian.
The book thus covers a huge geographic and temporal area. And the book, at almost 750 with another 50 pages of notes, is itself huge.
Most interesting More...
The book thus covers a huge geographic and temporal area. And the book, at almost 750 with another 50 pages of notes, is itself huge.
Most interesting More...
Jun 02, 2011
Matthew
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Fred Anderson's massive synthesis of the Seven Years' War and ensuing imperial crisis is an impressive achievement borne from nearly two decades of historical research. Ranging from the beginning of English colonial settlements in North America and ending with the Stamp Act crisis, Anderson successfully navigates an incredible time span weaving the intertwined stories of English imperial dominance with French and Spanish decline and American Indian politics.
Combining the British, French, Am More...
Combining the British, French, Am More...
Dec 05, 2011
Jim
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By bringing together the various colonies in their defence against the French, the British inproved the co-operation between them, and sowed the seeds of revolution that followed. Not only did British funds invigorate the local economies, and give them the structures they would eventually use against the British, but if it were not for the post-war tax, designed to generate funds for the development of the colonies, (and were never destined for the UK's coffers), our cousins might still be our b
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Oct 06, 2011
Sam
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Not the Gibbons 10-volume history of the Seven Years' War, but feels like the world's longest single-volume treatment of any war. The argument that the Seven Years' War was the prelude to the revolution (and not the Stamp Act and the traditional whig explanation) seems to carry a bit more weight. The colonists saw themselves as full participants in the British Empire, while the mother country saw them as subjects. These "competing visions of empire" eventually led to the Revolution. Th
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Aug 19, 2011
James
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When I was hiking on the Appalachian Trail, a common rejoinder to whining about terrain was, "They fly airplanes to Maine, you know?" If you want to take on a tough guy task, it was implied, then either act like a tough guy and stop complaining or buy a plane ticket. I thought about the airplane to Maine while trudging through this book. Fred Anderson has written a pared-down version of Crucible of War ( at a very reasonable 288pp) called The War that Made America. I, however, scorned
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Apr 03, 2011
Alli
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I started this book six months ago because it was sitting out in the wardroom lounge on my ship, and it took me so long to read not because of the length, but because of how dense it is. It is the most detailed history of the 7 Years' War I've ever seen, and it is a remarkable read. For all that it took me a long time to push through it, I'm glad I read it. This also was the impetus behind my decision to make my theme for 2011 US history, which was an unplanned theme. I tend to find the topi
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Dec 28, 2010
Luke
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This is one of the most authoritative books on the Seven Years War from the perspective of the thirteen colonies and to some extent the British. Anderson argues that the Seven Years War planted the seeds for the future American Revolution. This war destroyed the balance of power between the Iroquois led tribes, the French, and the British in North America. British colonial demands for further land came against the desire of the British crown to exert greater control over their colonies in Nor
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Aug 21, 2008
Jeffrey
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I am only 6 pages in, but it is clear that the thesis of this book inspired The War the Made America. If you haven't seen that documentary and are even vaguely interested in history, you owe it to yourself to see it. On with the reading.
Okay, this is a great book. I learned tons. It certainly helps to have lived "back east" now for a couple years, as I had a much better idea of the geography out here. I really need to find an even-handed biography of George Washington More...
Okay, this is a great book. I learned tons. It certainly helps to have lived "back east" now for a couple years, as I had a much better idea of the geography out here. I really need to find an even-handed biography of George Washington More...
Mar 16, 2008
Art
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This serious work of American history does not take the easy route. At over 750 pages, the French and Indian War is described in deeper levels of details and analysis that I ever thought possible. The French and Indian War has always been given short shrift in American History. Probably because it occurred before there was an America, and most of the well known heroes were British Generals. Many of which became the "enemy" during the American Revolution.
The author makes se More...
The author makes se More...
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Apr 12, 2008
Jason
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inston Churchill called the Seven Year's War the first world war, and it can be argued that it was the first, in a string of five great power wars over 190 years, leading to World War II. But for most students of the modern world, especially Americans, who may be unaware that a world war, a great power war was sparked just outside of today's Pittsburgh, PA. If it is thought of, the Seven Year's War is remembered as nothing more than a prelude to the American Revolution. Fred Anderson, of the Uni
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Jul 28, 2009
Mike
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"Magesterial," one of my friends called it, and I have to agree. This, for me (and others, I gather) is THE definitive volume on the Seven Years' War. Equally compelling in social/political and military aspects, supported by ample visuals and maps- always a big plus for me. Lengthy, but well written throughout. It brought to mind "Battle Cry of Freedom," in terms of defining and explicating a pivotal event in our nations' history. If you have any interest in learning abo
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Aug 11, 2011
Bryant
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Just want I want in a history book: large, expansive and challenging some accepted beliefs (plus it's good to read some Canadian history as well).
The author repeats things from time to time but I haven't read much on the Seven Years' War before (aside from references to 'the French and Indians wars' in works about the American Revolution), so it was fresh and welcome.
The author repeats things from time to time but I haven't read much on the Seven Years' War before (aside from references to 'the French and Indians wars' in works about the American Revolution), so it was fresh and welcome.
May 17, 2008
murph
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Easily one of the most informative history books I've ever read. Anderson examines an impressive array of factors that led to the French and Indian War - in detail. Historical figures like Washington and William Pitt become comprehensible personalities - you see the world through the issues of their day. Anderson also illustrates all the major battles with maps from the period - a nice touch I wish more books would take up. Seeing Fort William Henry's fortifications illustrated in the official a
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May 20, 2010
Larry
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I've now read three excellent books on the French and Indian War and this is by far the most comprehensive. Anderson not only details what was going on in various Indian nations, but also in Parliament, various of the colonial legislatures, and in many colonial political arenas as well. I can't imagine a more comprehensive tome on the French and Indian War.
Feb 17, 2011
Doug
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My all-time favorite book on the American colonial period. This is truly a history book that reads like a novel; it's wonderfully written, and though long and highly detailed it's never boring. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about pre-revolutionary America and/or military history in the colonial period. Five stars.
Oct 15, 2009
Rick
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A bit of tough sledding, but a remarkably informative book about the French and Indian War ... Detail may pile high, but Anderson somehow makes it all clear while keeping it interesting ... even the parts about the British government's deliberations about the war ... Highly recommended for "history geeks" only!
Dec 11, 2010
Great info on the SYW. Author completed through research on this excellent topic.
Feb 20, 2009
Ben
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A truly comprehensive look at the years from 1754 - 1766 from the Colonies, Brittan, New France, and the Indian nations. Though the book is centered around the Seven Years War, Anderson goes beyond military history to include political and economic life as well. This was the first world war with fighting in North America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, India and Manila. This was also the time where the Colonies first showed the ability to band together, portending the revolution to come.
Jul 19, 2011
Tag
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This was one weighty tome! Really opened my eyes about the French and Indian War aka the Seven Years War and how it was truly a global conflict. Love me some colonial history...
Jun 17, 2008
Eunice
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No doubt this is the best overview of this little-known but crucial war in American history. Beautifully narrated. The author combines historical detail with the large picture seamlessly. This was the first world war and Anderson paints the grand picture. Much of the war in North America was fought in present-day New York State and other eastern states, a part of the country I love.
Jun 06, 2008
Caitlin
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Finally, a book which covers in one volume the French and Indian War. If you never got to study this war in school - and you probably didn't - and you live in New York, Wisconsin, or Quebec, you will find this fascinating. Couple this with Northwest Passage by Kenneth Roberts and you will have a lot of fun!
Nov 09, 2007
Brad
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The best historical analysis of the Frenc & Indian War (also known as the 7 Years War). This war was crucial to the American Revolution that came just a few years later.
Jan 20, 2008
Alan
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The world is bigger than the US and this book covers what should have been called the first World War.
Feb 12, 2012
Feb 12, 2012
