Washington's Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History)

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning. "Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet George Washington, and many other Americans, refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning."--Publisher's description. Cover Page Copyright Page Title Page Dedication Contents Maps Editor’ Note Introduction The Rebels The Regulars The Hessians The Plan of the Campaign The Fall of New York The Retreat The Crisis The Occupation The Opportunity The River The March The Surprise Hard Choices Good Ground The Bridge Two Councils The Battle at Princeton Aftermath Conclusion Appendices Appendix A Appendix B Appendix C Appendix D Appendix E Appendix F Appendix G Appendix H Appendix I Appendix J Appendix K Appendix L Appendix M Appendix N Appendix O Appendix P Appendix Q Appendix R Appendix S Appendix T Appendix U Appendix V Appendix W Appendix X Historiography Bibliography Abbreviations Notes Sources for Maps Acknowledgments Index Enlightening. To say the least. A very good light into the politics of our country. Not exactly what you learned in school. The author did his homework and when you finish this book, you will have a new perspective. For example,Jefferson was so active in undermining Adams that when he became President he got a law passed making it an act of sedition to speak against the President. That Hamilton actually slandered Burr in the news and Burr warned him that he would kill him. At the time Bur was the Vice President. I know I was not told that in school. This history recounts the turning point in the American Revolution: the crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas night, and the subsequent battles of Trenton, by General Washington. It examines the different strategies of each side and the role of contingency in the events Provides an account of a pivotal moment in American history--the Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River to mount a sneak attack on British and Hessian troops at Trenton, New Jersey. "Describes in moving detail the military campaign of 1776-1777 and the British, German and American soldiers who fought it."--Back cover Three armies in America A cataract of disaster The pivot point The crossing Risking it all The boldest stroke.