"When we reflect on our nation's history, the American Revolution can feel almost like a foregone conclusion. In reality, the first weeks and months of 1775 were very tenuous, and a fractured and ragtag group of colonial militias had to coalesce to have even the slimmest chance of toppling the mighty British Army.

Prologue : Tuesday, December 13, 1774 -- An irrepressible tide : January-March 1775. New Year's Day 1775 ; Drumbeats of dissension ; Who would be true patriots? ; Volleys of words ; "Fire, if you have the courage" ; Boston in the bull's-eye ; Independence or reconciliation? -- "Let it begin here" : April 1775. The general's dilemma ; Two lanterns ; Lexington Green ; On to Concord ; By the rude bridge ; Retreat, if we can ; Percy to the rescue ; What have we done? ; Spreading the news -- Decisive days : May-June 1775. Must we stand alone? ; "In the name of the great Jehovah ..." ; Ben Franklin returns ; Lexington of the seas ; Three generals and a lady ; What course now, gentlemen? ; "The white of their gaiters" ; "A dear bought victory -- Epilogue : Monday, July 3, 1775.