Welcome to Historical Cogitations, a site devoted to original historical research. The About tab introduces my background, while the Posts tab features articles on a wide range of historical subjects. The Blog section will be updated periodically as my schedule permits. Some of my work includes the following:
📘 Losing America, Securing an Empire: The Rise of British Global Power in the Late 18th Century
My first book examines the American Revolution from a perspective that challenges the familiar narrative of British defeat. Although the conflict is often portrayed as a stunning victory for colonial rebels over a mighty empire, Britain emerged from the war in a stronger global position than the newly independent United States. Once France, Spain, and the Netherlands entered the conflict, Britain shifted its strategic focus toward preserving its prestige and protecting key imperial holdings—especially in the West Indies and India. Late-war military successes and the retention of most of the empire allowed Britain to remain a major world power. This work argues that, in many respects, Great Britain did not truly “lose” the Revolutionary War.
The book is available through McFarland Books, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers.
📗 Building Empires in East Asia: Western Influence in 19th Century China and Japan
My second book explores how Western ambitions reshaped East Asia during the nineteenth century. Colonial expansion, imperial competition, and economic domination disrupted long-standing regional systems and set in motion changes that continue to influence global politics today.
Key themes include:
- How Western intervention destabilized traditional governance and social structures
- The origins of the Boxer Rebellion and the diverging trajectories of China and Japan
- The emergence of a global economic hierarchy that still shapes international relations
Through analytical narrative, the book reveals how nineteenth‑century imperialism transformed East Asia and left a lasting imprint on the modern world. It is well-suited for readers interested in Asian history, global history, military history, and the deeper roots of today’s geopolitical landscape.
📙 Upcoming Work
I am currently completing my third book, which examines the development of southern Asia—particularly India—during the eighteenth century and the role Western powers played in shaping that evolution.
If you share an interest in history, I welcome your comments and would be glad to hear from you if you wish to contribute an article based on your own original research. You are also encouraged to explore the excellent historical organizations of which I am a member.
British Commission for Military History
Council of America’s Military Past
North American Conference on British Studies
Regards,
Daniel Boone
Historical Cogitations 