This is a journalistic account of the birth of the United States. Containing more than 125 true stories of courage and valor, cunning and guile, it is a history of the war as it affected soldiers and civilians. Here in vivid detail, and often in their own words, are the experiences of the people most affected by the war, along with the dreams and aspirations that prodded them to pursue liberty at all costs.

Early stirrings -- 1775: Lexington, Concord, and menotomy -- Generally speaking -- 1776: Independence declared, battles won & lost -- 1777-1779: Settling down to war -- Generally speaking, part 2 -- 1780-1781: On to Yorktown -- Final throes -- Last glimpses -- Select founding mothers.