Investigates the American Revolution from the British side, drawing on primary sources to show how Britain, at the height of her power but suffering from internal political strife, made one mistake after another, culminating in the loss of her prized colonies.

Maps of The thirteen colonies on endpapers.

England victorious -- Pitt departs, Bute lights the fuse -- Franklin in London -- The Stamp Act -- The crisis -- Franklin testifies, Rockingham repeals -- The Chatham fiasco -- The Townshend crisis -- Another repeal -- The king finds a prime minister -- Lord North's tea party -- "Blows must decide" -- Franklin's last try -- England at war -- The Howe brothers try war and peace -- The road to Saratoga -- A new war for England -- The southern strategy -- The road to Yorktown -- The king fights on -- The peace process.