[quote=Jazzman]To put it into historical context, American independence was viewed by colonial powers as an extension of the Napoleonic wars… [/quote]
I’m curious about the comment above. The American Revolution, which ended in 1781, pre-dated the Napoleonic Wars by nearly a generation. Which colonial powers viewed the American Revolution as connected to the Napoleonic Wars? I know of Edmund Burke’s writings on both the American and French Revolutions, but I’m not sure what point you’re trying to make here. Napoleon, as far as the ruling houses of Europe were concerned, was sui generis and viewed as a low-born thug intent on bringing all of Europe (along with some other farflung territories) to heel. I’m failing to see the connection.
