Occupied America: British Military Rule and the Experience of Revolution

Donald F. Johnson's book Occupied America explores the daily lives of ordinary people living under military occupation during the American Revolution, highlighting how they navigated harsh conditions, mitigated threats, and balanced revolutionary and royal attempts to secure their allegiance. The occupation failed to restore imperial authority, leading to illicit means of survival and maintaining ties to rebel camps. Johnson argues that the experiences of these citizens directly affected the outcome of the Revolution.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 29 August 2023
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

In his book "Occupied America," Donald F. Johnson delves into the daily lives of ordinary individuals living under military occupation during the American Revolution. With a particular focus on the experiences of people in port cities under British control, Johnson paints a vivid picture of the challenges, threats, and opportunities faced by men and women from diverse backgrounds. Between 1775 and 1783, a significant number of large port cities along the Eastern seaboard fell under British rule, including Boston, New York, Newport, Philadelphia, Savannah, and Charleston. These cities, as centers of population and commerce, were expected to serve as strongholds from which the British Empire could restore order and cultivate loyalty. Initially, the exceptional social atmosphere of military rule offered opportunities for many individuals, particularly women and enslaved people, to reinvent their lives. The hope of social betterment inspired thousands to embrace the military regime, even though it came with risks. However, as Johnson meticulously illustrates, occupation failed to bring about a restoration of imperial authority. Harsh material circumstances forced even the most loyal subjects to resort to illicit means to feed and shelter themselves, while many maintained ties to rebel camps for the same reasons. As the occupations dragged on, the majority of residents lost faith in the possibility of restored royal rule as a viable option. Johnson argues that the process of political change during the Revolution unfolded gradually, over years of hardship under military rule that forced Americans to grapple with profound questions about their identity, sovereignty, and the future of their nation. The experiences of these citizens reveal the complexities and contradictions of the Revolution, as they navigated a delicate balance between revolutionary ideals and royal attempts to secure their allegiance. Through his meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Johnson provides a valuable insight into the human cost of the American Revolution and the transformative power of political change.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512825480