310Z Spring 2026 The Origins of Our Revolution: The Deadly Conflicts Before the Declaration

310Z  The Origins of Our Revolution: The Deadly Conflicts Before the Declaration
Three sessions
Instructor: Jim Anderson
Thursdays, 9:40—11:05, Apr. 9—Apr. 23
This series of lectures will focus primarily on the colony of Massachusetts and the city of Boston from 1770-1776 before and during the first deadly conflicts that preceded the Declaration of Independence. In the first lecture, we will examine the British effort to tax the American colonies to help finance the French and Indian War debt and the resistance by the Massachusetts patriots that culminated in the military occupation of Boston. Lecture two will discuss in detail the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the beginnings of the siege of Boston by colonial militias. The final lecture will focus on the Battle of Bunker (Breeds) Hill, the military and political aftermath and the subsequent formation of the Continental Army under George Washington.
Jim Anderson’s career included service in the Air Force and the CIA. In retirement, he conducted leadership seminars at Civil War battlefields. He holds an MA in History. Since 2009, he has taught classes and led tours at OLLI on the Civil War, the Frontier, and the Revolution. He is a recipient of the 2025 Loudoun History Award.