Reinterprets the battle that launched the American Revolution, arguing that the war was based as much in economic concerns as political ones and that most militiamen volunteered on behalf of their livelihoods and in protest of serf-like living conditions.

The final straw -- General Thomas Gage and George III -- Benjamin Franklin excoriated -- Britain closes the Port of Boston -- Declaring war on Massachusetts -- Support for Boston broadens -- Defiance escalates -- A deepening crisis -- The counties strike back -- His Majesty refuses to bend -- The Powder Alarm -- The colonies unite -- The Suffolk Resolves -- Congress completes its work -- Slaves -- The perverse effects of the Powder Alarm -- The march to war -- Chatham's opposition -- Lords North and Dartmouth secretly search for peace -- The decision for war -- Parliament votes for war -- The country people -- The country people find many supporters -- Tensions mount -- Still waiting -- Fateful orders -- Gage's decision -- Crossing the Rubicon -- Paul Revere -- The British march to Concord bogs down -- A massacre at Lexington -- The road to Concord -- The Concord fight -- The bloody road back to Lexington -- Lord Percy to the rescue -- A masterful retreat -- The siege of Boston: part one -- The siege: part two -- Earth-shattering news.