Story Archives of 'Revolutionary War'

Almost a century before the Stamp Act of 1775, American colonists were repressed, unfairly taxed, had their charters revoked and were intimidated by Redcoats marching on their streets. In 1689, they fought back and shots were fired against British troops; they didn't win, but it was the beginning of a long revolution that only culminated almost 100 years later in the War for Independence. A new book called "Seeds of Discontent" explores how long and deep tensions were between the colonists and the British crown and how long the revolution in America really was.

Guest

• J. Revell Carr, president of the Council of American Maritime Museums and the International Congress of Maritime Museums, former president and director of Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut and author of Seeds of Discontent: Deep Roots of the American Revolution 1650-1750

In the second part of our series on Slavery in New England, we talk with author Stephen Clarkson. His new book, Patriot's Reward, carefully draws from his own ancestors' history as New Hampshire slave owners. The slave's real and fictional name is Will, and in his book, Clarkson successfully recreates a world that weaves together colonial New Hampshire with African-American history and the Revolutionary War.

Some Granite Staters may be surprised to hear it, but most people outside of New England don’t know who General John Stark was. And even within New Hampshire, the average person knows just one thing about him: He gave us our state motto. But according to historian Ben Rose, no one should ignore the role the general played in gaining our country's independence. In honor of John Stark Day (April 23), we'll talk with Rose about his new book, John Stark: Maverick General.

Tomorrow (April 19th) marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Revolutionary War. But before that first shot was heard round the world, there was quite a bit of saber-rattling and planning taking place. Some of the earliest action happened right on New Hampshire's seacoast. We'll get the details from Historian Stu Wallace of the New Hampshire Technical Institute.

Speaking of the British, we're going to have our own tea party on the Front Porch tonight. Jonathan Blakeslee of Portsmouth's White Heron Tea will dispel some of the myths and misconceptions that surround the world's second-favorite beverage (water ranks #1, of course). Join us for a conversation on the culture and history of tea.

A new book tells the inspiring story of George Washington's journey home to Mt. Vernon. He had less than a month to accept the transfer of power from Britain, bid farewell to his troops and resign his commission to Congress if he hoped to be home for Christmas. Laura's guest is Stanley Weintraub, Evan Pugh Professor Emeritus of Arts and Humanities at Pennsylvania State University and the author of numerous histories and biographies, including his latest, "General Washington's Christmas Farewell".