The American Revolutionary War was neither short nor simple. It was instead among America’s longest wars and featured ideas and actions that were in turn audacious, inspiring, brutal, heroic, treacherous, ambiguous, and extraordinary—that is to say, complicated.

This presentation will examine the multifaceted nature and significance of the Revolution. Certainly, it was a colonial rebellion-turned-war of independence (the first to succeed among modern empires), but also, for example, a civil war (Americans fighting Americans, not just redcoats or natives); an "irregular" war; a trans-oceanic world war with powerful imperial and financial stakes; and of course a war of ideas that challenged the existing order with far-reaching political, economic, social, and cultural consequences (republicanism v. monarchy, equality v. privilege, rights v. duties, and such). In the end, a complicated version of the Revolution enables us to better understand and assess this astounding event—a historical turn that still profoundly shapes our lives. 

Dr. David Greer holds a B.A. in history and religion from Pepperdine University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. from Texas Christian University with concentrations in American and modern European history, and with special interest and research in the American founding and early republican eras. He recently concluded a 26-year career as Professor of History at Rochester Christian University, during which he received recognitions as Most Influential Professor (student-selected), Faculty Member of the Year, and Distinguished Faculty. David and his wife Branka have been longtime residents of the City of Rochester but are now preparing to relocate to Croatia as he takes on a new assignment there.