Americans often think of the War of Independence as an exceptional event, focusing on the unique people, ideas, and historical turning points. But in many ways the key actors in the War of Independence faced similar challenges that others around the world have faced and continue to face: how to organize around political grievances, how to prevent a conflict from escalating, how to manage trade relationships, and how to navigate great power politics. Through lectures, group discussions, and essays, this course will compare the American experience to other conflicts, examining how the American experience reflects broader patterns. |