Revolutionary War

The American Revolution in New Jersey lasted eight long years, during which many were caught in the middle of a vicious civil war. Residents living in an active war zone took stands that varied from "Loyalist" to "Patriot" to neutral and/or "trimmer" (those who changed sides for a variety of reasons). Men and women, Blacks and whites, Native Americans, and those from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, with different religious affiliations all found themselves in this difficult middle ground. When taking sides, sometimes family was important, sometimes religion, or political principles; the course of the war and location also mattered. Lurie analyzes the difficulties faced by prisoners of war, the refugees produced by the conflict, and those Loyalists who remained, left as exiles, or surprisingly later returned. Their stories are interesting, often dramatic, and include examples of those literally caught in the crossfire. They illustrate the ways in which this was an extremely difficult time and place to live. In the end more of the war was fought in New Jersey than elsewhere, resulting in the highest number of casualties, and a great deal of physical damage. The costs were high no matter what side individuals took. Taking Sides uses numerous brief biographies to illustrate the American Revolution's complexity; it quotes from documents, pamphlets, diaries, letters, and poetry, a variety of sources to provide insight into the thoughts and reactions of those living through it all. It focuses on people rather than battles and provides perspective for the difficult choices we make in our own times.

A history of Trenton during the American Revolution Exhaustively researched and beautifully written, this it he story of revolutionary Trenton, New Jersey both a critical supply post and a crucial junction halfway between loyalist New York, and patriot Philadelphia & Trenton between 1774 and 1783 is a microcosm of the challenges faced by ordinary Americans during the revolution, struggles intensified by Trenton's geographic location in the state which saw more military activity than others and on a road constantly user to move and supply armies. Life in Trenton connected to just about every aspect of the revolution. The story of the people who lived in Trenton, or who spent time there because of the revolution, helps us better understand the hitherto untold importance of their town beyond the one well known day of battle.

The First Hunterdon Militia Regiment of New Jersey containing the men from today's Trenton, Ewing Township, Hopewell Township, and Lawrence Township was continually called on to defend the state throughout the period 1775-1783. This is their story, told for the first time, describing the mental and physical challenges associated with fighting a war for independence while also trying to survive economically as farmers, craftsmen, and merchants. Their individual and group stories help us understand many things about the lives of ordinary people during the war and explore many questions, including the following: Why did George Washington describe the New Jersey militiamen and their families as "a people harassed and exhausted?" Why did New Jersey Governor William Livingston describe the militia laws as placing "a disproportionate burden on the willing? "What was the purpose of the militia? Who was required to be in the militia and who could volunteer? Why, since the law required it, did some militiamen not own their own musket and other equipment? Why did so many militiamen who supported the cause of independence refuse to turn out for active duty? What roles did militiamen play in battles such as Trenton, Princeton, Monmouth, and Springfield? What did militiamen do in-between the major battles? How did the British occupation of New York City and Staten Island from 1776 to 1783 complicate the lives of militiamen living along the Delaware River in western New Jersey? Drawing on many primary sources that often allow the militiamen to tell their stories, this story helps us understand how the American Revolution was experienced in the Mid-Atlantic States.

A wonderful guide through New Jersey, the 'cockpit' of the Revolution.