The War for Independence: A Military History (The Chicago History of American Civilization)

The American victory in the Revolutionary War came as a surprise to people all over the world. Believing that successful wars were fought by professionals and aristocrats, they could not understand how ragged and hungry troops of ill-assorted civilians were able to defeat one of the world's strongest professional armies. This book is an effort to explain how and why that upset was accomplished. Alternating with scene and summary, the narrative has pace and proportion. Battles fall into campaigns, and campaigns interpret strategy. Commanders are deftly characterized, and flashes of insight illuminate victories and defeats. There emerges a picture of American soldiers as tougher and more deeply motivated fighters than the uncommitted British and German professionals. The book also demonstrates how highly prized were the rights that the revolutionists sought to confirm or establish, and serves as a reminder today that some ideas are worth risking life for. "What is most amazing about this excellent history is Prof. Peckham's ability to retell these . . . legendary events . . . in a way which enriches and absorbs the reader."—Robert Kirsch, __Los Angeles Times__ Contents Prelude to Battle I. "A Middling Force" II. Canada Lost, Carolina Held III. To the Delaware-and Back IV. "A Thousand Untoward Circumstances" V. Disappointments in Battle and Alliance VI. Frontiers in Flames VII. The War on the Sea VIII. Into the Slough of Despond IX. Recovery of the South X. Rendezvous at Yorktown XI. Flames and Embers Extinguished XII. The Summing Up Biliographical Notes Important Dates Index Presents an account of the crucial episodes and dramatic events associated with the Revolutionary War, and reveals the reasons and the methods that resulted in the victory of the underdog