The opening of the work introduces the effects of the French and Indian War on Britain's economy and its consequent impact on colonial relations. Andrews discusses England's substantial national debt, leading to increased taxation on the American colonies, which was a significant catalyst for colonial unrest. He emphasizes that the military experience gained during the war not only unified the colonies but also equipped them with crucial military leaders, paving the way for the revolution. This introductory portion sets the stage for understanding the following chapters that chronicle the tensions leading up to the Revolutionary War and the subsequent struggle for independence. (This is an automatically generated summary.)