Declaration

Name: Declaration
Price: 50 AUD
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ISBN: 9798216371557

The Story of American Independence

Robert P. Watson

$50

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Bloomsbury Academic
28 May 2026

National liberation & independence, post-colonialism; Revolutions, uprisings, rebellions; American War of Independence

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.

By: Robert P. Watson
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Country of Publication: United States
Dimensions: Height: 228mm, Width: 158mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 618g
ISBN: 9798216371557
Pages: 336
Publication Date: 28 May 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

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

Robert Watson holds the titles Distinguished Professor of American History, Avron Fogelman Research Professor, and Assistant Director of the Center for Citizenship & Civility at Lynn University and was formerly Senior Fellow with the Florida Joint Center for Citizenship. His publications include over 40 books on topics in politics and history, including, most recently · George Washington’s Final Battle: The Epic Struggle to Build a Capital City and Nation (2021), winner of the Gold Medal in History at the Independence Publishers Awards.

Reviews for Declaration: The Story of American Independence

Few documents are as universally recognized – and as deeply revered – as the Declaration of Independence. Yet, for all its familiarity, the story of its creation remains veiled in secrecy. Robert 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 * 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 *