Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart's Deutsche Chronik and the War of American Independence, 1774‐1777

Abstract

This article examines coverage of Britain's conflict with the American colonies in Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart's popular German‐language periodical Deutsche Chronik from March 1774 to the beginning of 1777. Schubart was an enthusiastic supporter of the revolutionary movement, which he thought could serve as a model for German‐speaking Europeans. However, Britain's use of German troops against the Americans marked a turning point in the way the Chronik covered the conflict. It not only resulted in a significant increase in reports about American developments, but also compelled Schubart to introduce alternative interpretations of the Americans' struggle with Britain.