American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804

Taylor probes the turbulent aftermath of the American Revolution, highlighting the myriad challenges and transformations that reshaped the United States and its relationship with both its citizens and the broader international community. The chapter begins with Sir Guy Carleton’s appointment to oversee the British evacuation of New York, Charles Town, and Savannah, a complex logistical operation that symbolized Britain’s retreat but also foreshadowed the challenges of reintegration and resettlement for Loyalists and people freed from enslavement.

The chapter describes the violent, often chaotic, reclamation of lands by Patriot forces, particularly in the South, where Loyalists and maroon communities faced brutal reprisals. Despite the victory, the return to peace exposed deep-seated conflicts and inequalities within the fledgling nation. The evacuation of thousands of Loyalists and enslaved people to British territories in the Bahamas, Canada, and beyond underscores the profound personal and communal upheavals resulting from the war, with former Loyalists grappling with displacement, betrayal, and the struggle to rebuild their lives in unfamiliar lands.

Central to the chapter is the ongoing tension between the United States and Indigenous American tribes. Despite formal treaties, Indigenous Americans found themselves marginalized and threatened by the encroaching settlements of Patriots, leading to the formation of confederations aimed at resisting American expansion.