The American Revolution also known as the U.S. War of Independence was fought between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain during 1765 and 1783. American colonies rejected Great Britain’s imperial rule, taxation policies, and lack of representation which sparked their desire for independence.[1]

Featured in this image from the Library of Congress is a collection of scenes portrayed in 12 illustrations that demonstrate events and battles that led up and occurred during the American Revolution. It was created during 1784 which was after the American Revolutionary War. These illustrations were drawn by Daniel Chodowiecki who was a German engraver and painter. [2]Chodowiecki’s images are one of the first illustrations that demonstrate the views and German popular interest in the American Revolution.

The first image showcases American protests over the Stamp Act of 1765. In the image, colonists are violent and destroying property. The colonists were angry because the colonists believed it was unreasonable and unfair to tax them. The colonists had no say which led to protests and fueled their desire for independence. The second image illustrates the Boston Tea Party. Colonists are disguised as American Indians destroying the tea. This was a key event leading up to the American Revolutionary War because

it led to more unity and motivation for the colonists to fight for their independence. The third image and fourth image represent the Battle of Lexington and Battle of Bunker Hill. These were one of the first battles of the Revolutionary War and it holds significance because the colonists gained a lot of confidence. This tells the audience a lot about the time period because there was a growing unity among the colonies. The colonies put aside their differences and fought as allies. This unity can be easily seen in the fifth image where it depicts the Second Continental Congress which was a momentous step towards declaring independence.[3] The delegates are together in one room representing each of the thirteen colonies. The American Revolutionary War and British negligence lead to colonial unification. It played an important role in paving a path towards independence.

During this time period, Germans fought on both sides of the war. The sixth image shows the aftermath of Battle of Trenton. George Washington and his army withstood harsh conditions and crushed the Hessians. In 1776, the British hired German troops called Hessians to fight on their side during the American Revolution. However, there were other Germans that supported patriotic American colonists. The illustrations show the innocent colonists and the unjust rule of the British. By illustrating the colonists’ anger, unity, and fight towards independence, it draws support towards the colonists.

Chodowiecki continues to illustrate the American colonists in a positive light in the last 6 images. These images showcase the turning points in the war and final surrender of the British. The illustrations do not show British’s victories. Instead, it shows the victories and turning points of the colonists’ path towards independence. It is important to note what the images are not showing because it helps the audience understand what side the artist is on. Also, this tells the viewers a lot about this time period because numerous victories helped boost American confidence which led to more people wanting to enlist in the Continental Army. It also shows Washington’s ability to withstand harsh conditions and lead his army to victory. By being able to declare independence, America showed other countries that it is possible to overcome unjust imperial rule. The American Revolution inspired many nations to rebel and fight for their rights.

Illustrations of scenes from before and during the American Revolution played an important role in understanding the American Revolution. In a time period before television, cameras, and social media, these images are important because it can shape the way viewers see the American Revolution. In this case, a German painter, Daniel Chodowiecki capitalized on German interest in the American Revolution by demonstrating the American colonists in a positive perspective. These images were published in Germany and played a role on how Germans viewed the colonists.

[1] Robert Grayson. Revolutionary War. (Essential Library of American Wars. Minneapolis: Essential Library,

2013).

[2] Chodowiecki, Daniel, Artist, et al. Scenes from events and battles leading up to and during the

American Revolution, -1783, as depicted in 12 illustrations / D. Chodowiecki del. et sculp. [Germany: s.n]

Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2009631982/>

[3] Frazer, Robert. “The American Revolution: Not Just a War,” Journal of Military Ethics 14, Number 1

(2015): 35-56.