Emerging Revolutionary War

Approximately 5,000 African-American or Black soldiers fought for the patriot cause in the American Revolution. Some joined state militias, some joined the Continental Army, and some sailed the seas with the fledgling navies of the United Colonies. William and Benjamin Frank were two of those 5,000. Both were free Blacks from Rhode Island who enlisted in the 2nd Rhode Island Regiment in 1777. Their father was a veteran of the French and Indian War, so the family was well-established in military tradition.

The 2nd Rhode Island fought and defended Fort Mercer during the campaigns of 1777 and survived harsh winters at Valley Forge and Morristown before returning to Rhode Island to literally defend the hearth and home from the British. Author and historian Dr. Shirley L. Green, adjunct professor at the University of Toledo, a 26-year veteran of the law enforcement community, and current Director of the Toledo Police Museum in Ohio, “takes the reader on a journey based on her family’s history, rooted in its oral tradition.”

Her book Revolutionary Blacks, Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence was published by Westholme Publishing in November 2023.

Join Emerging Revolutionary War historians Mark Maloy, Rob Orrison, and Mark Wilcox as we discuss the Irish in the American Revolution. We’ll talk about the Irish who fought with Washington’s army, those who fought with the British, and how the events in American ultimately spilled over into Ireland and the Rebellion of 1798. We'll also discuss how we have come to remember the role of the Irish in the Revolution. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

From the hard lessons learned on the battlefields of New York, to his appointment as Quartermaster General during the harsh winter at Valley Forge, his role in convicting the British spy who colluded to obtain the plans to West Point, to the godsend who took command of the ragged remnants of the Southern Continental Army, Nathanael Greene's complex perseverance and brilliant strategies broke military doctrines.

Join ERW as we welcome author Salina Baker as we discuss her historic novel about Nathanael Greene. We will discuss the life of Greene, his wartime experiences, why he has been forgotten by many and why she found his life story so interesting.

Join Emerging Revolutionary War as we chat with historian and author Patrick O'Kelley about the brutal civil war that broke out in North Carolina in 1781. Whigs (commonly known as Patriots, supporting American Independence) and Tories (supporting loyalty to Great Britain) fought a brutal and bloody war against each other in eastern/central North Carolina called "The Tory War." Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene, wrote that the war in the Carolinas ‘Nothing but blood and slaughter has prevailed among the Whigs and Tories, and their inveteracy against each other must, if it continues, depopulate this part of the country.’

“Their Immortal Honour Made a Brave Defense” The Maryland Line was one of the preeminent stalwarts of the American army, both in the northern and southern theaters of the war. Join Emerging Revolutionary War historians in a discussion about the men from the Old Line State and their military acumen during the American Revolutionary War. The discussion will also highlight their memory and memorialization.

On June 17, 1775, British and patriot militia clashed on Breed's Hill. Although the battle would take the name of the other hill in the area, Bunker Hill, the engagement ended as a British victory. Yet, the ramifications of this engagement reverberated through the rest of the American Revolution and has seared itself into the collective American memory. Join Dr. Paul Lockhart, Professor of History at Wright State University and an author of a book on the battle, along with Emerging Revolutionary War historians to examine why.

To kick off the new year, Emerging Revolutionary War is joined by Tom Hand, author, historian, and founder of Americana Corner. However, in the later stages of 2023, Tom added published book author to his lengthy list of accomplishments. His book, American Triumph is now available via his website.

Benedict Arnold committed treason― for more than two centuries, that’s all that most Americans have known about him.

We are excited to welcome author and historian Dr. Brooke Barbier, who takes a new look at John Hancock in her new book “King Hancock The Radical Influence of a Moderate Founding Father.” Dr. Barbier dispells some myths and adds new insight into the life of Hancock. Join us for a great discussion on all things King Hancock!

In Tea, James R. Fichter reveals that despite the so-called Boston Tea Party in 1773, two large shipments of tea from the East India Company survived and were ultimately drunk in North America. Their survival shaped the politics of the years ahead, impeded efforts to reimburse the company for the tea lost in Boston Harbor, and hinted at the enduring potency of consumerism in revolutionary politics.