A triumph or a disaster? A masterpiece or a mess?

Ask an American, and you will get one answer; ask an Englishman, and you will get another. The story is littered with myths and legends, with Hollywood epics, and with historians grinding axes.

In 1763, England won her greatest war to date again the old enemy, France. Over in America, the thirteen English colonies rejoiced in her victory. Twelve years later Americans were firing on English troops. Why? What on earth had gone wrong?

Part of the "Talking of History" series by the same author. See "The End of Monasteries", "Cardinal Wolsey", and "The Duke of Wellington".

About the Author
Berwick Coates holds an honours degree in History from Cambridge University, and has been studying, teaching, writing, and talking about History for forty years. He has presented History to all abilities, all ages, and all walks of life.

He has published five books, and is working on a trilogy of historical novels about eleventh-century Normandy, as well as a historical whodunit about the Crusades.

‘After a lifetime spent getting people interested in History, it is my belief that there is no substitute for the spoken word. People like being talked to. And they like to know where they come from. History gives us our roots; without roots, nothing grows.'

‘It is also my belief that people will tackle the most complicated topics if those topics are presented with care, timing, sympathy, and humour. These talks may start with a light touch – even perhaps a superficial one – but that is only to get you on board. From then on, all I ask you to do is listen, and enjoy the ride.'

‘After many of my previous talks, people have come up to me and said, “I wish I had had History presented like this when I was at school.” Well, now is your chance to catch up.’