Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies

By: Robert J. Allison, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Robert J. Allison

Length: 18 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

The history of colonial America is a story of extraordinary scope, with Europeans, Africans, and the native peoples of North America interacting in a drama of settlement and conflict that lasted nearly three centuries. Go back in time and relive this epic story in 36 spellbinding lectures.

While concentrating on British North America, Professor Allison also covers developments in the colonial outposts of Spain, France, the Netherlands, and the all-important British possessions in the West Indies, which were the source of the most lucrative crop in the New World - sugar - and the reason for the enormous growth in the slave trade.

As you'll discover, the colonies were often turbulent, dangerous places. You'll learn about Indian wars, slave revolts, witch persecutions, rampant piracy, and other upheavals, as well as the gradual cementing of social order and the development of customs that made the colonies distinct - and difficult for the British government to rule.

These lectures build toward a discussion of the roots of the rebellion that succeeded in toppling the colonial system - the American Revolution - covering its long gestation and closing with an examination of the meaning of the Declaration of Independence.

In fundamental ways, the world we know today emerged from the tempestuous and eventful history of colonial America. Deepen your appreciation for this formative era with these historically rich, captivating, and highly informative lectures.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2009 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2009 The Great Courses

Indians and religion

Very interesting. Not your typical course material. A lot about which Indians lived in what regions.

I had hoped for a lecture or two devoted to typical dwellings and what foods they prepared and how they did it, how people lived in town versus farther out.

But was enjoyable and informative.

Fan-bloody-tastic

i highly recommend this lecture series. Very informative, engaging narrative, and the professor is great to listen to.

Before 1776

Engaging and relevant. I will definitely listen to again during my daily commute. This book was worth paying attention to.

Excellent Course On An Often Misunderstood Period!

Professor Robert Allison does an excellent job covering the development of Colonial America from the 1500's up to the American Revolution. This course cover's English, Spanish, French, and Dutch colonial developments as well as the Native American people and their struggles to cope in the rapidly changing landscape.

Very Interesting

Well researched. We'll told. Crazy and exciting times in American history. This lecture is a winner

Fantastic, from beginning to end.

A very well structured lecture that I will most likely listen to again. Great job!

A diamond among diamonds

The Great Courses are always top tier, but this narrator makes it so enjoyable. The topic itself is enlightening, so the addition of his extremely dry quips and steady voice was perfect.

Highly recommended for fans of edutainment.

Excellent recount of American Colonies up to the American Revolution

Enjoyed the presentation tremendously. I will be listening to this over and over again. A must read for every American.

New Perspectives and great insights

What made the experience of listening to Before 1776: Life in the American Colonies the most enjoyable?

I am researching the family tree in America from 1625 in Virginia and 1640 in New Hampshire. This series does a great job of describing each colony's progression and has explained migration issues and how native American blood lines entered the tree

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ben Franklin and Cotton Mather interactions

What about Professor Robert J. Allison’s performance did you like?

I could stay awake through his lectures any day

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

36 1/2 hour sessions

Any additional comments?

I have been through the material twice and still picking up info

Excellent Teacher ! Great Course!

This series presented a lot of information in an easy to absorb and interesting way. Loved it.