How a tiny Caribbean island made American independence possible

The American Revolution was won not just by ideals and armies, but by the strategic trade networks of a small Caribbean port.

By: R. Grant Gilmore III, College of Charleston, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 30, 2026

Words: 1,500

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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By R. Grant Gilmore III, College of Charleston

The American Revolution is often told as a heroic story of 13 colonies rising up against a mighty empire and, with some help from France, winning their independence.

But the real story is more complicated. As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of its independence, it is worth remembering that success on the battlefield depended not only on courage and ideals, but also on trade, credit, shipping …

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