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Debating Independence: The American Revolution in 1776

Historian Joyce Haworth explores how defeat, victory, and intrigue via a king's blunders, a persuasive essay, and the devastation of war, transformed ordinary Americans into founders of a new nation.

In January 1776, many Americans thought independence was a terrible idea. It seemed impossible that 13 weak, far-flung colonies could become a nation. Most people favored reconciling with Great Britain. Yet just a few months later, those same Americans believed independence was worth fighting for. How did popular opinion change so fast?

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