Ms. Sue can you help me to understand what author is trying to argue in this paragraph.

While it is true, as Linda Colley has argued, that war contributed to the
development of British identity during the eighteenth century, in this
case, the experience of war and disease contributed to a developing
sense of provincial distinctiveness, just as there were distinctive
‘American’ ways of fighting war in the North American wilderness

Ms. Colley is saying that in some ways, the British were known around the world for their wars. However, the combination of war and regional diseases showed that the various colonies were each distinctive. In other words, since the diseases of North America and Asia were so different that the British were different in each place.

To understand what the author is arguing in this paragraph, let's break it down:

1. Start by identifying the main point or claim of the paragraph: The experience of war and disease contributed to a developing sense of provincial distinctiveness.
2. Look for evidence or support for this claim: The mention of distinctive "American" ways of fighting war in the North American wilderness.
3. Consider any counterarguments or contrasting perspectives mentioned: The author acknowledges that war contributed to the development of British identity during the eighteenth century, but argues that in this particular case, war and disease led to provincial distinctiveness.
4. Analyze the overall context or purpose of the text to better understand the author's position.

By following these steps, you can better comprehend the author's argument and come to your own understanding of what they are trying to convey in the paragraph. Remember, it is important to read the surrounding text to gain a comprehensive understanding of the author's ideas.