Declaration

The Story of American Independence

Robert P. Watson (Author)

Online Access / Resources

Declaration

The Story of American Independence

Robert P. Watson (Author)

Online Access / Resources

Hardback ~~$50.00~~ $45.00 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) ~~$45.00~~ $36.00 Ebook (PDF) ~~$45.00~~ $36.00 Audiobook $38.00

Quantity

Pre-order. Available 28 May 2026

$45.00 RRP $50.00 Website price saving $5.00 (10%)

Pre-order now

Add to wishlist

Payment for this pre-order will be taken when the item becomes available

This product is usually dispatched within 10 business days

Delivery and returns info
Flat rate of $10.00 for shipping anywhere in Australia

Description

Declaration uncovers the lesser-known stories, surprising twists, and forgotten voices behind the most iconic document in U.S. history.

Robert P. Watson delves into the complex and often misunderstood origins of the Declaration, revealing how a series of missteps by the British Crown, shifting colonial sentiments, and a convergence of enlightened thinkers led to a revolutionary moment that changed the course of history.

Drawing from a wealth of primary sources-including letters, diaries, newspapers, and diplomatic communiqués-Watson reconstructs the debates, drafts, and drama that surrounded the Declaration's creation.
Complete with a unique look into the influence of women, enslaved individuals, and indigenous peoples, Declaration brings to light the diverse cast of characters and perspectives that shaped the American experiment. It explores the document's philosophical roots, its political impact, and the enduring struggle to realize its lofty promises of liberty and equality.

Prologue: Magic

REBELLION
1. Tensions
2. Taxes
3. Massacre
4. Tea
5. Congress

RUBICON
6. Debate
7. Minute
8. Conclave
9. “Independency”
10. 1776

REVOLUTION
11. Sage
12. Draft
13. Inspiration
14. Grievances
15. Changes

REGIME
16. Vote
17. Celebration
18. Global
19. Creed
20. Legacy

Postscript: Liberty
Appendix A. Text of the Declaration of Independence
Appendix B. Signers of the Declaration of Independence
Appendix C. Time Line of Key Events

Notes
Sources
About the Author

Product details

Published	28 May 2026
Format	Hardback
Edition	1st
Pages	336
ISBN	9798216371557
Imprint	Bloomsbury Academic
Dimensions	229 x 152 mm
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Robert P. Watson

Robert P. Watson holds the titles Distinguished Pr…

The publication of this engaging and nuanced recap of the American colonies' successful bid for independence comes just in time for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence ... Serious and casual historians alike will appreciate this approachable, well-written narrative.

Booklist
Watson, in this remarkable book, illuminates the mysteries surrounding the painstaking process and deliberations that went into crafting this timeless document, highlighting the often-overlooked human dimension, and in so doing reminds us that even our most celebrated national documents still have mysteries to explore.

Richard M. Yon, United States Military Academy at West Point, USA
Watson has produced one of the best works in recent memory on the development of the Declaration of Independence and its centrality to the founding of the United States. More significantly, the author compellingly demonstrates how the values and principles of the founding document transcend the political divides that have come to dominate contemporary America.

Tom Lansford, University of Southern Mississippi, Gulf Coast, USA