Backcountry War: The Rise of Francis Marion, Banastre Tarleton, and Thomas Sumter by Andrew Waters

The American South played a crucial and often decisive role in the American Revolution, serving as both a key battleground and a strategic focus for British military efforts. Although initially less affected by the early fighting centered in the North, by 1778, British commanders, shifted their attention southward in what became known as the “Southern Strategy” as part of a desperate attempt to bring the war to a close. These commanders believed they could rally Loyalist support and regain control by leveraging the region’s significant Loyalist population and economic importance. This strategy led to major campaigns and brutal fighting across the Southern landscape, including pivotal battles such as the Siege of Charleston, the Battle of Camden, and the Battle of Cowpens. Southern militias, often composed of irregular fighters using guerrilla tactics, proved instrumental in harassing British forces and undermining their supply lines during this period of the war. Leaders like Francis Marion (“The Swamp Fox”) and Nathanael Greene used the South’s terrain and local support to wear down superior British forces. The South’s contribution during the American Revolution was not only military but also symbolic, demonstrating the widespread commitment to the cause of liberty across all colonies. Despite internal divisions and a heavy human toll, the Southern states were essential in transforming the Revolution from a regional rebellion into a truly national struggle for independence.

Since the publication of The Quaker and the Gamecock (2018), Andrew Waters has emerged as one of the most creative and acclaimed historians writing about this critical though little-understood periods of American history. If you enjoyed the depth and narrative sweep of Backcountry War, be sure to check out Andrew’s other books and articles on the American Revolution’s Southern Campaigns.