Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia
In this provocative reinterpretation of one of the best-known events in American history, Woody Holton shows that when Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other elite Virginians joined their peers from other colonies in declaring independence from Britain, they acted partly in response to grassroots rebellions against their own rule.



The Virginia gentry's efforts to shape London's imperial policy were thwarted by British merchants and by a coalition of Indian nations. In 1774, elite Virginians suspended trade with Britain in order to pressure Parliament and, at the same time, to save restive Virginia debtors from a terrible recession. The boycott and the growing imperial conflict led to rebellions by enslaved Virginians, Indians, and tobacco farmers. By the spring of 1776 the gentry believed the only way to regain control of the common people was to take Virginia out of the British Empire.



Forced Founders uses the new social history to shed light on a classic political question: why did the owners of vast plantations, viewed by many of their contemporaries as aristocrats, start a revolution? As Holton's fast-paced narrative unfolds, the old story of patriot versus loyalist becomes decidedly more complex.
1131902695
Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia
In this provocative reinterpretation of one of the best-known events in American history, Woody Holton shows that when Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other elite Virginians joined their peers from other colonies in declaring independence from Britain, they acted partly in response to grassroots rebellions against their own rule.



The Virginia gentry's efforts to shape London's imperial policy were thwarted by British merchants and by a coalition of Indian nations. In 1774, elite Virginians suspended trade with Britain in order to pressure Parliament and, at the same time, to save restive Virginia debtors from a terrible recession. The boycott and the growing imperial conflict led to rebellions by enslaved Virginians, Indians, and tobacco farmers. By the spring of 1776 the gentry believed the only way to regain control of the common people was to take Virginia out of the British Empire.



Forced Founders uses the new social history to shed light on a classic political question: why did the owners of vast plantations, viewed by many of their contemporaries as aristocrats, start a revolution? As Holton's fast-paced narrative unfolds, the old story of patriot versus loyalist becomes decidedly more complex.
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Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia

Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia

by Woody Holton

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Unabridged — 7 hours, 30 minutes

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Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia
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Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia

Forced Founders: Indians, Debtors, Slaves, and the Making of the American Revolution in Virginia

by Woody Holton

Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Unabridged — 7 hours, 30 minutes

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Overview

In this provocative reinterpretation of one of the best-known events in American history, Woody Holton shows that when Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and other elite Virginians joined their peers from other colonies in declaring independence from Britain, they acted partly in response to grassroots rebellions against their own rule.



The Virginia gentry's efforts to shape London's imperial policy were thwarted by British merchants and by a coalition of Indian nations. In 1774, elite Virginians suspended trade with Britain in order to pressure Parliament and, at the same time, to save restive Virginia debtors from a terrible recession. The boycott and the growing imperial conflict led to rebellions by enslaved Virginians, Indians, and tobacco farmers. By the spring of 1776 the gentry believed the only way to regain control of the common people was to take Virginia out of the British Empire.



Forced Founders uses the new social history to shed light on a classic political question: why did the owners of vast plantations, viewed by many of their contemporaries as aristocrats, start a revolution? As Holton's fast-paced narrative unfolds, the old story of patriot versus loyalist becomes decidedly more complex.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Its lively style and wealth of anecdotes will make it an enjoyable read for anyone.

Journal of American Studies

May be the most important book on the political culture of Revolutionary Virginia since Rhys Isaac's The Transformation of Virginia, 1740-1790.

Journal of Southern History

The main strength of Holton's book is his effort to place the actions of the Virginia gentry within a more detailed local context.

Law and History Review

[He] portrays the coming of the Revolution in Virginia as deeply bound up with competing social groups.

American Historical Review

This book gives us a brisk and convincing analysis of a region—and revolutionary leaders—we thought we already knew.

Journal of American History

Product Details

BN ID: 2940170780242
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Publication date: 03/12/2019
Edition description: Unabridged
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