Phillips, author of many historical works, continues his investigation of grassroots America in this study of the important events of 1775, the year that the Continental Congress first met and American Patriots began to capture British forts. His new view of the American colonies and how they managed to become the United States emphasizes the year's optimism, military successes, and the role of four colonies as the vanguard of the Revolution: Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut, and South Carolina. He examines religious and economic factors of the budding Revolution, describes the Revolution's major political and military arenas as they emerged and developed in 1775, and analyzes the significance of the principal campaigns and confrontations of the year. The book includes b&w historical illustrations and historical maps. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)