You're Dead to Me American War of Independence: Fourth of July Special
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Jul 4, 2025 Join Professor Frank Cogliano, a leading scholar in American history, and comedian Patton Oswalt as they dive into the dramatic events of the American War of Independence. They humorously explore misconceptions about the colonists' journey toward freedom, from taxation battles to the Boston Tea Party. Discover the unifying force of the Continental Congress and the quirky side of George Washington, along with the harsh realities of whose freedoms were truly embraced. Expect laughter mixed with fascinating insights into a pivotal moment in history.
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26 British Colonies Existed
- Britain had 26 colonies in North America and the Caribbean, not just the usual 13 in the eastern seaboard.
- The Caribbean colonies were economically more valuable due to slave-based agriculture, notably sugar production.
Colonial Self-Governance Beliefs
- The colonies had significant self-governance and saw their assemblies as equivalent to the British Parliament.
- They believed they possessed the "rights of Englishmen" and expected to exercise them locally.
Taxation Sparked Colonial Outrage
- British imposed taxation to pay war debts led to colonial backlash.
- The colonists accepted customs duties for trade regulation but opposed direct taxation without representation.
