This book focuses on the gradual deterioration of the British-American relationship that led to the American Revolution.

Starting in 1721, the author explores how the relationship between Britain and America changed from one of reciprocal trust to one of mutual misunderstanding and suspicion. It analyses the impact of Britain's changing relationship with the other great powers of Europe and discusses such matters as British concern about the national debt and French unease about Anglo-Russian cooperation. The book uniquely promotes the importance of foreign affairs in this disintegrating trans-Atlantic relationship and provides a concise introduction to the political and military aspects of the American Revolution.

This volume will be of interest to students of the American Revolution, and European and American foreign relations.

Jonathan R. Dull served on the staff of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin from 1977 to 2008, retiring as Senior Associate Editor. He is the author of eight books and two dozen articles on American, French, and British history and has received American, Canadian, and French literary awards.