The portrayal of the American War of Independence in Hollywood simplifies a complex historical conflict into a battle of heroic Patriots versus evil Redcoats. In reality, the war was much more intricate, characterized as a civil war that deeply divided social classes and often split families apart.

Most notably, the violence during this period frequently came not from British forces but from rebellious colonists targeting fellow citizens who remained loyal to the British crown. Niall Ferguson's book, "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World," highlights these nuanced dynamics that are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.