In the winter of 1776, the Americans looked defeated, but General George Washington did not give up. His troops made a daring move, crossing the Delaware River and winning two battles. The next winter, Washington's soldiers were cold and starving at Valley Forge. How could poorly-equipped and untrained men crush the mighty British? Readers follow author John Micklos, Jr., as he explores two wild winters with Washington.
"Explores two pivotal winters with George Washington's army during the American Revolution, including his crossing of the Delaware River, the battles at Trenton and Princeton, and the winter at Valley Forge"--Provided by publisher.
"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.
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.
When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it marked the birth of a new nation, but the United States of America was not yet free. A brutal war gripped the nation. The grueling fight against Great Britain was far from over. How did the colonies claim victory against the most powerful army in the world in the battle for independence? Find out why we won the American Revolution.
When the American Revolution began, thousands of people rushed to join the fight, on both sides. For many, choosing which side to fight for was difficult. Half a million black slaves lived in the thirteen colonies. About 200,000 American Indians lived on lands east of the Mississippi River. Both groups had much to gain, or lose, depending on which side won the war. Should they support the Americans fighting for independence, or support the British cause? This book explores through primary sources the amazing stories of African Americans and American Indians during the American Revolution.
Presents the story of General George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, and how this daring act boosted sagging morale, shocked the British, and convinced potential allies such as France that the Americans meant business.
