Money and the Making of the American Revolution

Money and the Making of the American Revolution

• Groundbreaking Reinterpretation: Reveals the American Revolution as a transformative monetary contest rather than merely a tax revolt—showing how disputes over taxation were fundamentally about what money was, who could make it, and how to prevent its use against colonists
• Global Historical Scope: Spans four continents, connecting money and revolt in early America to the transatlantic slave trade, the East India Company's mismanagement in India, and violence against Native Americans—offering ambitious new perspectives on the Revolution's economic foundations
• Acclaimed by Leading Historians: Praised as "one of the most important recent books on the coming of the American Revolution" by Eliga Gould, "spellbinding" by Christine Desan, and "a major reinterpretation" by Sean Wilentz (author of The Rise of American Democracy)—recognized for its sophisticated analysis and dramatic narrative
• Character-Driven Historical Narrative: Brings the story to life through individuals ranging from John Blackwell (Oliver Cromwell's war treasurer) to Thomas Paine, expertly explaining complex financial instruments while maintaining compelling, beautifully narrated storytelling
• Critical Insights on American Capitalism: Argues that while colonists won representation, European imperial money established a stronghold in the new republic—showing how revolutionary leaders tied the nation to capitalism and imperialism at its founding, transforming money from temporary resource mobilization to permanent capital accumulation