In 1776, Britain faced an unprecedented crisis. Thirteen of its American colonies had banded together and declared independence. As we mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this episode pricks the balloon of American notions of a fight for freedom against British imperialism.

It addresses: why was Britain implementing the policies that enraged the colonists? What were British attitudes towards American resistance? How did losing the Thirteen Colonies affect Britain's economy, trade, and politics at home? What became of the tens of thousands of loyalists in America that opposed independence?