Revolutionary America, Course Companion

Revolutionary America: From Subjects to Citizens
Course Companion
Written by Brett Waite
Compiled and edited by Hillsdale College Online Learning

This course companion is currently in production and available for Pre-Order. Fulfillment is expected to begin on September 21, 2026

The official illustrated companion to Hillsdale College’s documentary and course Revolutionary America.

On the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this book retells the story of how British colonists became American citizens. After 150 years of self-government, Americans were told they had no right to rule themselves. They answered by defending their rights, declaring independence, winning a war, and establishing a Constitution “for ourselves and our Posterity.”

Revolutionary America: From Subjects to Citizens follows that story from the aftermath of the French and Indian War through independence, the Revolutionary War, and the founding of the new government. It is designed to be read alongside the film—or on its own—as a clear, richly illustrated guide to the years that made the United States.

Inside you will find:

• A complete narrative of the revolutionary period, from 1763 to the early years of the Constitution
• Chapter-by-chapter timelines covering the Stamp Act, Boston Tea Party, Lexington and Concord, the Declaration, Saratoga, Valley Forge, Yorktown, and the Constitutional Convention
• Maps, portraits, and historical images that bring the people and events to life
• Sidebars on key documents, battles, and figures—including Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hancock, Hamilton, and Madison
• Commentary from the film’s featured voices, including Larry P. Arnn, Thomas West, Wilfred McClay, Eric Metaxas, Paul Moreno, Kevin Slack, John Grant, Michael Knowles, and John Lovell

This is not a textbook of dates and names. It is a course companion that explains why the controversy began, how Americans moved from petition to arms, what the Declaration claimed, how the war was won, and why the Constitution completed the Revolution.

Ideal for students of Hillsdale’s free online courses, families studying the Founding, teachers, and anyone who wants a lasting record of the history it tells.

The essential companion to the Revolutionary America film and course.