Librarian-College of Liberal Arts
Another Interesting Guide
This guide has some additional resources that might be helpful in researching the Revolutionary era
Eras of Early American History
It might be useful in the course of your research to know what the different eras are called and which years they include:
- Colonial Era spans through 1763
- Revolutionary Era, 1763-1783
- Early National Era, 1783-1832
These dates are not absolute but, should give you an idea of what the era might be called in the literature.
Oxford English Dictionary
One of the challenges historians face is understanding the spelling and use of the English language words in previous centuries.
The Oxford English Dictionary is the most comprehensive dictionary of the English language. Traces the development of "English" words from approximately 1150 AD up to the present day.
The library has the source in print as well as online. It can be a very handy tool when deciphering early historical primary sources.
Be sure and look at the online tutorial (linked above) for further information on using this resource.