This is the 4th episode of 1776: The World Turned Upside Down, a 12-episode serial by Serial Box Publishing in partnership with The Associated Press. The infant colonial navy meets the mighty Brits. Life on the briny in the 18th c. offered a mean existence along with the tantalizing hope of riches. And entertainments on land for hard-working, hard-drinking colonials: cards, billiards, cock-fights, and sermons, too. They were farmers and accountants, high-school dropouts and part-time soldiers, successful merchants and failed corset makers. Yet together they stood together and fought the greatest empire the world had ever known, all for a brand-new idea: America. A month by month immersive historical account of the Revolution in its first year, this series of twelve installments is unique in its focus on the lives of ordinary colonists and the more personal stories of now famous figures. Through informal and playful storytelling about the events in each month, the series explores the roots of America’s successes and many struggles. We see the beginnings of regional disputes and differences, institutional inequality and oppression, the tension between cultural heritage versus assimilation, and the struggle between states’ rights and federal government, all through the eyes of colonists and militiamen. The audio series is narrated by Robin Miles with a variety of guest voices including Hamilton star Chris Jackson as George Washington. Installments are being released in synchronized ebook and audio monthly installments from Serial Box throughout 2018.

An unparalleled look at AmericaÍs Revolutionary War invasion of Canada

In Smallpox in Washington's Army: Disease, War and Society during the Revolutionary War , the author argues that smallpox played an integral role in military affairs for both the British and Continental armies, and impacted soldiers and civilians throughout the War for American Independence. Due to the Royal army’s policy of troop inoculation and because many British soldiers were already immune to the variola virus, the American army was initially at a disadvantage. Most American colonists were highly susceptible to this dreaded disease, and its presence was greatly feared. General George Washington was keenly aware of this disadvantage and, despite his own doubts, embarked on a policy of inoculation to protect his troops. Use of this controversial, innovative, and effective medical procedure leveled the playing field within the armies. However, by 1777, smallpox spread throughout America as soldiers interacted with civilian populations. Once military action moved south, American and British auxiliary troops and the enslaved Southern population all succumbed to the disease, creating a disorderly, dangerous situation as the war ends. Washington’s implementation of isolation policies as well as mass troop inoculation removed the threat of epidemic smallpox and ultimately protected American soldiers and civilians from the dangers of this much feared disease.