In his latest publication, “Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution,” historian H.W. Brands delves into the complexities of American identity during a pivotal moment in history. Released on January 9, 2026, the book challenges the simplistic narrative that all colonists were united in their quest for independence from Britain. Instead, it highlights a significant faction of the population—the Loyalists—who remained steadfast in their allegiance to the British crown.
Brands sets out to dismantle the prevailing belief that the 13 American colonies uniformly opposed British rule. He illustrates that many colonists identified as Britons who preferred to maintain their connection to the British Empire. This division gave rise to two distinct groups: the Patriots, who championed independence, and the Loyalists, who sought to preserve their ties to Britain.
The narrative centers on key figures such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin, both of whom initially hesitated to embrace the independence movement. Washington, previously an officer in the British army, and Franklin, who advocated for the colonies within the British Parliament, highlight the gradual shift in loyalties that marked the era. Brands emphasizes that their journeys to becoming staunch advocates for independence were not immediate but rather evolved over time.
A poignant subplot in the book is the familial rift between Franklin and his son, William Franklin, who remained a Loyalist and served as the royal governor of New Jersey. This father-son dynamic serves as a microcosm of the broader conflict, illustrating how personal relationships were often strained by the political upheaval of the time. William’s refusal to abandon his loyalty to the crown ultimately led to his ousting and imprisonment by Patriot forces, while Franklin’s commitment to the revolutionary cause deepened.
Brands, known for his extensive work on American history, including titles such as “Heirs of the Founders” and “American Colossus,” provides a thorough examination of the events leading to the American Revolution. “Our First Civil War” particularly emphasizes the internal conflict between Patriots and Loyalists, with chapters like “Lawrence Growden’s Daughter” capturing the personal struggles faced during this tumultuous period.
While the book offers a solid historical account, some critics suggest that a broader focus on lesser-known figures could have enhanced its exploration of how the American Revolution functioned as a civil war. By expanding on personal stories beyond Washington and Franklin, Brands could have further illustrated the depth of loyalty and betrayal that characterized the era.
In summary, “Our First Civil War” provides a compelling narrative that invites readers to reconsider the complexities of American identity during the Revolution. Brands’ examination of the struggle between Patriots and Loyalists not only enriches our understanding of this historical period but also resonates with ongoing discussions about national identity today.
