Who Wrote the First History Book on the American Revolution?

The American Revolution is a crucial event in the history of the United States that marked the country’s independence from British rule. While there are various accounts of the events that led to the revolution and its aftermath, it is interesting to note who wrote the first history book on this topic.

The first history book on the American Revolution was written by Mercy Otis Warren, an American poet, playwright, and historian. Warren was born in 1728 in Massachusetts Bay Colony and witnessed firsthand the events leading up to and during the American Revolution. Her book titled “History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution” was published in 1805, almost three decades after the end of the war.

Warren’s book is a comprehensive account of events leading up to and during the revolution. It covers topics such as British colonial policies, taxation without representation, Boston Tea Party, Declaration of Independence, battles such as Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, Yorktown and more.

One interesting fact about Warren’s book is that it was published anonymously. At that time in America’s history, women were not taken seriously as writers or historians. Therefore, Warren chose to keep her identity hidden in order to ensure that her work would be judged solely on its merits.

Despite being anonymous at first, Warren’s work was well received by readers and contemporaries alike. It provided a new perspective on early American history and gave voice to women’s contributions during the revolution. The book became so popular that it went through several editions within a few years.

In addition to writing this seminal work on American history, Warren also corresponded with other key figures of her time such as George Washington and John Adams. She shared her thoughts on various political issues plaguing America at that time.

In conclusion, while there were many people who chronicled events related to the American Revolution before Mercy Otis Warren wrote her book; this work remains a significant milestone in the history of American literature. It is a testament to her passion for history and her commitment to ensuring that women’s contributions are not overlooked. Warren’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the American Revolution and early American history.