Major Problems in the Era of the American Revolution, 1760-1791: Documents and Essays

Major Problems in American History

by Richard D. Brown (Editor)

This text delves into the many facets of the colonial uprising and its aftermath, concluding with the ratification of the Bill of Rights. The volume combines primary sources, analytical essays, chapter introductions, and headnotes to encourage students to think critically about the revolutionary era.

Genres: History, American Revolution, American Revolutionary War, Nonfiction, Reference, Textbooks, American History

522 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1991

About the author

Richard D. Brown is Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of History, Emeritus, at the University of Connecticut and has authored, co-authored, and edited numerous books and textbooks with a focus on Early American history.

Before coming to UConn in 1971, he taught as a Fulbright lecturer in France and at Oberlin College after earning his Ph.D. from Harvard University. His research and teaching interests have been in the political, social, and cultural history of early America. Currently, his research and writing focus centers on racial, ethnic, and religious equality in Early America.

His most recent book, coming in March 2017 from Yale University Press, is Self-Evident Truths: Contesting Equal Rights from the Revolution to the Civil War.

He is also the author of Knowledge is Power: The Diffusion of Information in Early America, 1700-1865 and The Strength of a People: The Idea of an Informed Citizenry in America, 1650-1870. With Irene Quenzler Brown he is the co-author of The Hanging of Ephraim Wheeler: A Story of Rape, Incest, and Justice in Early America.

Reviews

[Lacey Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Major Problems in the American Revolution is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of the Revolutionary era. Edited by Richard D. Brown, the book combines primary sources with scholarly essays, providing a well-rounded exploration of the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the American Revolution.

What sets this collection apart is its ability to highlight the diversity of perspectives from the period, including those of colonists, enslaved individuals, Indigenous peoples, and women. The juxtaposition of primary documents and analytical essays allows readers to engage critically with the material, fostering a deeper appreciation of the Revolution’s multifaceted nature.

While the dense academic style may be challenging for casual readers, it’s a treasure trove for students and history enthusiasts. Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully curated, this book is an indispensable tool for understanding one of the most transformative periods in American history.

[Cody Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid selection of primary sources from the revolution. The editing and editorializing keep it from five stars. Some primary sources are missing substantial portions and both the selection of materials and modern essays reveal limited political bias. And yet with the beautiful sources they had to work with from Jefferson, to Paine, to Henry, to Adams less than four stars would be an unpatriotic insult.

[Sam Newton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is largely a collection of primary and some secondary sources about the American Revolution. Great for any student or historian but nit a casual read.

[Albert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read second edition. Fantastic primary source documents. Each chapter has primary docs and then a couple of secondary essays. Well written and read. A textbook.