A key element of the American dream is an unwavering belief in its uniqueness. Somehow, it has become an article of faith that the United States emerged from the political mists of 1776 as a fully-formed and unparalleled political entity without a past and with a special destiny. proves this to be false—providing an important corrective to received wisdom about the US and an original insight into its "special relationship" with the UK. This books explains how the United States was the result of political, social, economic, philosophical, and religious developments that preceded the arrival of the Pilgrim Fathers by centuries and continued to be the overwhelming influence on the political development of America during the colonial period and beyond. The greatest influence was Britain. The colonists were almost entirely from the British Isles. They were governed by British laws. British philosophers guided their thinking. British economic needs determined their trade and future development patterns. British religion, wars, suppression, and political debates spurred immigration. The fight to restore cherished British rights and liberties drove colonists to the brink of rebellion and beyond. The Declaration of Independence and the US constitution are littered with British philosophical, legal, and political fingerprints. The Magna Carta and English Common law are regularly cited in Supreme Court Judgements. Because of this, what happened in Britain centuries ago has an impact on American life today. And what was done by the British in America also influences contemporary Britain. The "special relationship" that exists between the UK and the U.S. did not start with the Atlantic Charter and the comradeship of World War II and the Cold War. Its roots were laid before the arrival of the first Jamestown settlers in 1607 and have spread to link the two countries at every conceivable level. examines the British roots and explain how they contribute to contemporary American life and will continue to do so.