Includes bibliographical references and index.

"I am a Briton": on the brink -- "Loyal but jealous of their liberties": changes in imperial policy and the colonists' thinking, 1759-1766 -- "A plan for governing and quieting them": the second great crisis, 1767-1770 -- "I am unwilling to give up that duty on America": to the Tea Party, 1770-1773 -- "Behold America where matters are driving": 1774, year of momentous decisions -- "Blows must decide whether they are to be subject to this country": the war begins -- "Great Britain is equal to the contest": war brings crucial changes in 1775 -- "The birthday of a new world": America declares independence -- "The American cause is in a critical situation": the New York Campaign in 1776 -- "Across America in a hop, step, and a jump": the campaigns of 1777 -- "The central stone in the geometrical arch": the war is transformed in 1778 -- "The longest purse will win the war": reform at home while the war takes a new turn -- "Whom can we trust now?": a year of disasters, 1780 -- "A war of desolation shocking to humanity": the southern theater in 1780-1781 -- "We have got Cornwallis in a pudding bag": the decisive victory at Yorktown -- "Oh god, it is all over": peace, conspiracy, demobilization, change, 1781-1783.