A question to British Disboarders about the American Revolution/Colonial period in North America. 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 📃 🖊 🌎

[Buzz Rules]

A question to British Disboarders about the American Revolution/Colonial period in North America. 🖊
How much do you actually know about the history of that time period and region from what you learned in school or just from general research /media/tv/movies/ documentaries? For those who have done family research, did any of your relatives participate in the event in some way? Have you ever been to an 18th century reeactment here in the USA about the American War for Independence or visited a historic national park or museum about it? Do you think the British public in general know enough about the Colonial period in North America? Genuinely curious about the how much is actually known across the pond. Thanks in advance. Sincerely a history loving Yank.

 

[SnowBeast]

I remember studying the American Revolution briefly at school when I was probably around 14. I don’t think it’s particularly a subject that us Brits know too much about, I think it’s seen more as American history than ours. I think this is quite sad because it’s actually as much part of our history than it is Americas. The colonials at the time were (mostly) British; they or their recent parents/grandparents had left Britain and started to build a new world 3000 miles away, but they were still British and they would have taken their regional accents and traditions with them. The Revolution wasn’t America as we know it today fighting Britain, it was British colonials fighting against their fellow country men.

This is why I think it’s quite sad that we don’t know as much as we should about the colonials and the revolution over here; these were our ancestors who braved absolutely horrendous conditions to start the colonies in America and I think their stories should be told more to people in Britain.

 

[BrianL]

I remember studying the American Revolution briefly at school when I was probably around 14. I don’t think it’s particularly a subject that us Brits know too much about, I think it’s seen more as American history than ours. I think this is quite sad because it’s actually as much part of our history than it is Americas. The colonials at the time were (mostly) British; they or their recent parents/grandparents had left Britain and started to build a new world 3000 miles away, but they were still British and they would have taken their regional accents and traditions with them. The Revolution wasn’t America as we know it today fighting Britain, it was British colonials fighting against their fellow country men.

This is why I think it’s quite sad that we don’t know as much as we should about the colonials and the revolution over here; these were our ancestors who braved absolutely horrendous conditions to start the colonies in America and I think their stories should be told more to people in Britain.

It is extensively covered in school here and largely portrayed as a just and heroic effort on the part of the colonies to cast off the tyranny of imperial rule. Granted, history is written by the victors, but it is what it is.

 

[SnowBeast]

It is extensively covered in school here and largely portrayed as a just and heroic effort on the part of the colonies to cast off the tyranny of imperial rule. Granted, history is written by the victors, but it is what it is.

From the things I’ve read and tv docs I’ve seen I do agree that I think that many events and characters have been portrayed in a slightly over the top way to what the reality was. But that’s what happens with all historical events worldwide, especially war, when countries tend to put their own spin on things and create heroes and villains when often the truth is probably a bit of both. I don’t really believe the American war of independence was as much a quest for liberty and freedom as is usually the headline grabber, I think there were far more factors playing out that brought about the conflict such as the colonials wanting to expand wealth and lands by moving further west which the crown had denied. The issue of taxation I feel was a bit of a red herring too; most taxes imposed were quickly revoked and the colonies were actually being taxed far less than the British people across the pond. I think at the start of the war, only about a third of the colonials were actually in favour of independence, the other two thirds were either against it or just not interested and wanted to carry on with their lives. However, even if the war had not happened or had ended with a British victory, I think it still wouldn’t have been long before the colonies would have pressed for their own government away from the crown and UK parliament.

I do think it is a fascinating period of both our histories and I do think it’s a shame we don’t tend to hear as much about it like you do in the US.

Up the rebels

 

[Buzz Rules]

I remember studying the American Revolution briefly at school when I was probably around 14. I don’t think it’s particularly a subject that us Brits know too much about, I think it’s seen more as American history than ours. I think this is quite sad because it’s actually as much part of our history than it is Americas. The colonials at the time were (mostly) British; they or their recent parents/grandparents had left Britain and started to build a new world 3000 miles away, but they were still British and they would have taken their regional accents and traditions with them. The Revolution wasn’t America as we know it today fighting Britain, it was British colonials fighting against their fellow country men.

This is why I think it’s quite sad that we don’t know as much as we should about the colonials and the revolution over here; these were our ancestors who braved absolutely horrendous conditions to start the colonies in America and I think their stories should be told more to people in Britain.

From the things I’ve read and tv docs I’ve seen I do agree that I think that many events and characters have been portrayed in a slightly over the top way to what the reality was. But that’s what happens with all historical events worldwide, especially war, when countries tend to put their own spin on things and create heroes and villains when often the truth is probably a bit of both. I don’t really believe the American war of independence was as much a quest for liberty and freedom as is usually the headline grabber, I think there were far more factors playing out that brought about the conflict such as the colonials wanting to expand wealth and lands by moving further west which the crown had denied. The issue of taxation I feel was a bit of a red herring too; most taxes imposed were quickly revoked and the colonies were actually being taxed far less than the British people across the pond. I think at the start of the war, only about a third of the colonials were actually in favour of independence, the other two thirds were either against it or just not interested and wanted to carry on with their lives. However, even if the war had not happened or had ended with a British victory, I think it still wouldn’t have been long before the colonies would have pressed for their own government away from the crown and UK parliament.

I do think it is a fascinating period of both our histories and I do think it’s a shame we don’t tend to hear as much about it like you do in the US.

Up the rebels

I have several recommendations that show the history from both sides of viewpoints if you are interested? Liberty's Kids is an educational cartoon that some kids here in America enjoy. It's on YouTube and it covers most of the main points. PBS also made a 4 part episode series called the War that made America. It covers the French and Indian War (North America's part in the 7 years war) and what led to the decade later to the Revolution. A short summary of the American Revolution would be oversimplified's version:

 

[Buzz Rules]

I remember studying the American Revolution briefly at school when I was probably around 14. I don’t think it’s particularly a subject that us Brits know too much about, I think it’s seen more as American history than ours. I think this is quite sad because it’s actually as much part of our history than it is Americas. The colonials at the time were (mostly) British; they or their recent parents/grandparents had left Britain and started to build a new world 3000 miles away, but they were still British and they would have taken their regional accents and traditions with them. The Revolution wasn’t America as we know it today fighting Britain, it was British colonials fighting against their fellow country men.

This is why I think it’s quite sad that we don’t know as much as we should about the colonials and the revolution over here; these were our ancestors who braved absolutely horrendous conditions to start the colonies in America and I think their stories should be told more to people in Britain.

I don't know if you have been to the USA outside of WDW/DL but we have many reeactments and Museums about the Colonial period throughout the country if you are interested in visiting in the future.

 

[Buzz Rules]

From the things I’ve read and tv docs I’ve seen I do agree that I think that many events and characters have been portrayed in a slightly over the top way to what the reality was. But that’s what happens with all historical events worldwide, especially war, when countries tend to put their own spin on things and create heroes and villains when often the truth is probably a bit of both. I don’t really believe the American war of independence was as much a quest for liberty and freedom as is usually the headline grabber, I think there were far more factors playing out that brought about the conflict such as the colonials wanting to expand wealth and lands by moving further west which the crown had denied. The issue of taxation I feel was a bit of a red herring too; most taxes imposed were quickly revoked and the colonies were actually being taxed far less than the British people across the pond. I think at the start of the war, only about a third of the colonials were actually in favour of independence, the other two thirds were either against it or just not interested and wanted to carry on with their lives. However, even if the war had not happened or had ended with a British victory, I think it still wouldn’t have been long before the colonies would have pressed for their own government away from the crown and UK parliament.

I do think it is a fascinating period of both our histories and I do think it’s a shame we don’t tend to hear as much about it like you do in the US.

Up the rebels

Also, welcome to the Disboards.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

It's a very interesting question. I'd follow up and say I'd also be interested in knowing how much Americans know about the same time period? So much of what Iearned in school has turned out to be exaggerated, incorrect, or glorified. A lot of it has turned out to be true. And a lot of it has turned out to be redacted, which goes back to the above post - the victors control the narrative. Absolutely true.

 

[Buzz Rules]

I remember studying the American Revolution briefly at school when I was probably around 14. I don’t think it’s particularly a subject that us Brits know too much about, I think it’s seen more as American history than ours. I think this is quite sad because it’s actually as much part of our history than it is Americas. The colonials at the time were (mostly) British; they or their recent parents/grandparents had left Britain and started to build a new world 3000 miles away, but they were still British and they would have taken their regional accents and traditions with them. The Revolution wasn’t America as we know it today fighting Britain, it was British colonials fighting against their fellow country men.

This is why I think it’s quite sad that we don’t know as much as we should about the colonials and the revolution over here; these were our ancestors who braved absolutely horrendous conditions to start the colonies in America and I think their stories should be told more to people in Britain.

Do you know if you had ancestors in the conflict? My ancestors were a mix of Patriots and Loyalists during the conflict. Also, here in America, we have books and museums about the history of the Native Americans in the conflict as well.

 

[Buzz Rules]

It's a very interesting question. I'd follow up and say I'd also be interested in knowing how much Americans know about the same time period? So much of what Iearned in school has turned out to be exaggerated, incorrect, or glorified. A lot of it has turned out to be true. And a lot of it has turned out to be redacted, which goes back to the above post - the victors control the narrative. Absolutely true.

I may be an outlier but I went to very good schools who taught history very honestly. Even when it was America's dark side of history.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I may be an outlier but I went to very good schools who taught history very honestly. Even when it was America's dark side of history.

My comment wasn't so much about 'honestly' or a dark side - just an inaccurate side. More things I was taught that later I learned weren't true. As I get older, I've taken a more trust but verify approach to American history - and I've learned a lot of things are, let's say, misrepresented. The Paul Revere stories are an example - many never happened. And I never learned in school what happened in this country from just before the Revolution until George Washington became first president in1789 - a lot of important stuff happened during that 15 years that shaped this country, and I knew almost nothing about it! Sorry - some folks don't really care much about history, but I find it fascinating - especially the things I have had to learn on my own with some research. I'm going to take a look at some of those videos above, for sure! If it's at a kids' level, I'll be good!! I also had never considered the British point of view around the colonies and the conflict, and I absolutely should - as we've been very strong allies for years, despite our violent divorce in the18th century.

 

[Buzz Rules]

My comment wasn't so much about 'honestly' or a dark side - just an inaccurate side. More things I was taught that later I learned weren't true. As I get older, I've taken a more trust but verify approach to American history - and I've learned a lot of things are, let's say, misrepresented. The Paul Revere stories are an example - many never happened. And I never learned in school what happened in this country from just before the Revolution until George Washington became first president in1789 - a lot of important stuff happened during that 15 years that shaped this country, and I knew almost nothing about it! Sorry - some folks don't really care much about history, but I find it fascinating - especially the things I have had to learn on my own with some research. I'm going to take a look at some of those videos above, for sure! If it's at a kids' level, I'll be good!! I also had never considered the British point of view around the colonies and the conflict, and I absolutely should - as we've been very strong allies for years, despite our violent divorce in the18th century.

The liberty's kids videos and PBS documentaries are both accurate non biased information. The cartoon shows real period people (except James, Moses, Henri, and Sarah are fictional but represent real perspectives of the time). The HBO John Adam's show did show what happened during Washington's Presidential terms. The Quasi War and Barbary Wars were also taught in my high school and college.

 

[Buzz Rules]

My comment wasn't so much about 'honestly' or a dark side - just an inaccurate side. More things I was taught that later I learned weren't true. As I get older, I've taken a more trust but verify approach to American history - and I've learned a lot of things are, let's say, misrepresented. The Paul Revere stories are an example - many never happened. And I never learned in school what happened in this country from just before the Revolution until George Washington became first president in1789 - a lot of important stuff happened during that 15 years that shaped this country, and I knew almost nothing about it! Sorry - some folks don't really care much about history, but I find it fascinating - especially the things I have had to learn on my own with some research. I'm going to take a look at some of those videos above, for sure! If it's at a kids' level, I'll be good!! I also had never considered the British point of view around the colonies and the conflict, and I absolutely should - as we've been very strong allies for years, despite our violent divorce in the18th century.

The liberty's kids series on YouTube is 40 episodes long and had famous actors and actresses participate in the voice acting.

 

[cabanafrau]

Am I the only one amused by the notion that the British have lots of room to quibble about the concept of history being written by the victor? An awful lot of global history speaks to the voracious British appetite for colonization. Many of the results echo loudly still.

 

[SnowBeast]

I don't know if you have been to the USA outside of WDW/DL but we have many reeactments and Museums about the Colonial period throughout the country if you are interested in visiting in th

Me and my wife have been to Florida and California with the kids lots of times over the years but we’d love to explore a whole lot more once the kids are packed off to university. I’ve seen some reenactments on tv and I’m sure they’d be great to see for real.

In answer to your question about my ancestry, I’ve traced my family back to around the 1500s but unfortunately they didn’t seem to get as far as America, they only seemed to get from Nottingham to Derbyshire so about 20 miles

Thanks for the suggestions Buzz, I’d definitely love to visit some of the battle sites and museums one day

 

[Buzz Rules]

Me and my wife have been to Florida and California with the kids lots of times over the years but we’d love to explore a whole lot more once the kids are packed off to university. I’ve seen some reenactments on tv and I’m sure they’d be great to see for real.

In answer to your question about my ancestry, I’ve traced my family back to around the 1500s but unfortunately they didn’t seem to get as far as America, they only seemed to get from Nottingham to Derbyshire so about 20 miles

Thanks for the suggestions Buzz, I’d definitely love to visit some of the battle sites and museums one day

No 18th century military UK records within your ancestory tree? I'm kind of surprised. Top places for 18th century history in America I would recommend are Boston and the surrounding area, Upstate New York and the city, Philadelphia, Williamsburg VA, Charlotte NC, St. Augustine FL, and relevant parts of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Thanks for the suggestions Buzz, I’d definitely love to visit some of the battle sites and museums one day

Some of the places the 2026 World Cup will be held have lots of 18th century history to explore as well.

 

[SnowBeast]

Some of the places the 2026 World Cup will be held have lots of 18th century history to explore as well.

I like your thinking

 

[Buzz Rules]

My comment wasn't so much about 'honestly' or a dark side - just an inaccurate side. More things I was taught that later I learned weren't true. As I get older, I've taken a more trust but verify approach to American history - and I've learned a lot of things are, let's say, misrepresented. The Paul Revere stories are an example - many never happened. And I never learned in school what happened in this country from just before the Revolution until George Washington became first president in1789 - a lot of important stuff happened during that 15 years that shaped this country, and I knew almost nothing about it! Sorry - some folks don't really care much about history, but I find it fascinating - especially the things I have had to learn on my own with some research. I'm going to take a look at some of those videos above, for sure! If it's at a kids' level, I'll be good!! I also had never considered the British point of view around the colonies and the conflict, and I absolutely should - as we've been very strong allies for years, despite our violent divorce in the18th century.

https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/first-term-1789-1792

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/presidential-election-of-1792

https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/second-term-1793-1797

 

[Buzz Rules]

I like your thinking

Not to mention the World Cup takes place within America's 250th Independence Day.

https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments.../philadelphia-to-host-seven-world-cup-matches

USA vs England in the stars?