Brian Deming Libri

The narrative chronicles the evolution of the Continental Congress from its inception in 1774 to its pivotal alliance with France in 1778. Through letters and documents, it highlights the challenges and successes faced by the delegates as they navigated the complexities of forming a national government while striving for independence. The story captures the frustrations and victories of these early leaders during a transformative period in American history.

The narrative explores the challenges faced by the Continental Congress from 1778 to 1794, a pivotal period following the alliance with France and concluding with the end of the War of Independence. Through letters and documents, it highlights the improvisational efforts of the fledgling government to maintain unity and manage alliances while confronting financial instability, internal treachery, and mutinies within the troops. This historical account sheds light on the complexities of governance during a critical time in American history.

"In 1760, no one could imagine the American colonies revolting against Great Britain. The colonists were not hungry peasants groaning under the whip of a brute. They lived well. Land was cheap, wages were good, opportunities abounded. While many colonists had been in the New World for generations, they identified with Britain, and England was still "home." Yet in the space of just fifteen years these sturdy bonds snapped. Boston -- a town of just 16,000 -- lit the fire for American Independence. Here the author explains how and why in his deeply researched history." --Page 4 of cover.