In the midst of the American Revolution, the colonists faced the daunting task of conducting international diplomacy with European nations in order to gain support and funding for their efforts. Luckily, Benjamin Franklin had built up a reputation in France as “a representative of republican simplicity and honesty” and due to his reputation, much of the French public supported the revolution (French Alliance,...). In 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the Secret Committee of Correspondence in order to spread the word about their cause throughout Europe. Benjamin Franklin, a member of the new committee, sent letters to his contacts in France detailing examples of successful colonial resistance in order to demonstrate the revolution’s
The British naval commander communicated that he could not stay at the location unless Washington’s troops were pushed out. After Howe’s plans for retaliation were disrupted by a storm, he and his troops fled the city, leaving behind around 200 cannons as well as large stores of small arms and ammunition. This was the victory that initially swayed French Foreign Minister Comte de Vergennes towards an alliance with the United states, until news of Washington’s soon after defeats in New York made it to
After the British had captured Fort Washington on Manhattan Island in November of 1776 and British general Howe pushed the Americans to retreat across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, Howe took the majority of his troops into winter quarters, with Hessian colonel Johann Rall guarding Trenton with around 1,400 men. After learning of this weak defense, Washington crossed the ice floe littered Delaware river on December 25, ready for attack. He went on to capture upwards of 900 men and the city of Trenton. Once Lord Cornwallis learned of Washington’s move, he drove them back with about 7,000 men east of the city. Washington’s troops were backed up against the Delaware with no boats for escape, when he came up with a plan to take a byroad to Princeton in the dead of night. The troops escaped, and were met in Princeton by three British regiments which they managed to drive back. He then continued his march to Morristown, New Jersey effectively flanking the British communication with New York. Washington had evaded defeat, won two battles, and placed himself in an advantageous position for procuring more recruits and maintaining defense. These bold acts of leadership renewed colonist morale and confidence in their leader, General George Washington. Without these defeats, it would have been difficult to rally the much-needed continuous
In Washington's Crossing, the book states that soon after England came with their 33,000 soldiers in New York in summer during the year of 1776, the much smaller army that made up the American military was close on their heels. Sadly, the American military was pushed from Long Island, Manhattan, and after that continued on to lose a lot of New Jersey and Rhode Island. Large numbers of Americans also proceeded to start signing their loyalty over to the English crown, and Washington's military began to be faced with a shortage of manpower. The remainder of Washington's army retreated to the Western shore of the Hudson River.
“He was the greatest diplomat America has ever had”(198), Wood bluntly wrote when describing Franklin’s achievements in France. Another theme in the text is Franklin changing his mind on things that he once felt very strongly about. Before the American revolution, Franklin was a hardcore loyalist. He praised the English Crown and thought that the King could do no wrong. When he was given the opportunity to become a lobbyist for Pennsylvania, Franklin replied that he was “too old to think of changing countries.” However, after being snubbed by various English officials, Franklin returned to America and became one of the strongest supporters of American independence. Gordon Wood has written countless novels about the American revolution. In 1993, he won the Pulitzer prize for his book The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Wood’s purpose for writing this biography of Franklin was to inform the reader about Franklin’s life and role in the American
It could be said that if Howe and the British continued the attack, this rebellion could have been put down right away. This will not be the first time that Howe fails to do this, and it will lead to him being replaced later in the war by Sir Henry Clinton. Even though his army was thoroughly defeated, Washington is able to get his troops off of Long Island back to Manhattan in the middle of the night, this will also not be the last time that Washington is able to get his &n The author briefly discusses the troubles at Kip’s Bay and Fort Washington. The next subject that Buchanan goes into is Washington’s retreat through the state of New Jersey. The key part of this retreat is when Washington crosses the Potomac River he collects all boats from both shores of the river.
In 1776, David McCullough gives a vivid portrayal of the Continental Army from October 1775 through January 1777, with sharp focus on the leadership of America’s greatest hero, George Washington. McCullough’s thesis is that had not the right man (George Washington) been leading the Continental Army in 1776, the American Revolution would have resulted in a vastly different outcome. He supports his argument with a critical analysis of Washington’s leadership during the period from the Siege of Boston, through the disastrous defense of New York City, the desperate yet, well ordered retreat through New Jersey against overwhelming odds, and concludes with the inspiring victories of Trenton and Princeton. By keeping his army intact and persevering through 1776, Washington demonstrated to the British Army that the Continental Army was not simply a gang of rabble, but a viable fighting force. Additionally, Mr. McCullough supports his premise that the key to the survival of the American Revolution was not in the defense of Boston, New York City, or any other vital terrain, but rather the survival of the Continental Army itself. A masterful piece of history, 1776 is not a dry retelling of the Revolutionary War, but a compelling character study of George Washington, as well as his key lieutenants, and his British adversaries, the most powerful Army in the 18th Century world. When I read this book, I went from a casual understanding of the hero George Washington to a more specific understanding of why Washington was quite literally the exact right man at the exact right place and time to enable the birth of the United States.
Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers to the United States, was not a patriot but a mere loyalist to England before the dissolution between England and the colonies occurred. Sheila L. Skemp's The Making of a Patriot explores how Benjamin Franklin tried to stay loyal to the crown while taking interest in the colonies perception and their own representation in Parliament. While Ms. Skemp alludes to Franklin's loyalty, her main illustration is how the attack by Alexander Wedderburn during the Privy Council led to Franklin's disillusionment with the British crown and the greater interest in making the Thirteen Colonies their own nation. Her analysis of Franklin's history in Parliament and what occurred on the night that the council convened proves the change behind Franklin's beliefs and what lead to his involvement in the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Although unknown to the Congress when they appointed Washington to lead the colonies, he would prove to be a great military genius. Washington was simply selected because he was a rich Virginian with everything to lose. In 1776 at the Battle of Long Island, Washington proved that he was a great military leader. Washington narrowly escaped to Manhattan Island, crossed the Hudson and finally reached the Delaware Rive with the British on his tale. Washington was known as a " sly fox" because of his tricky maneuvers to get his troops out of dangerous situations. A few weeks later Washington showed his sly ways once again when he captured a thousand Hessians the day after Christmas. Without Washington's amazing military mind, and his sly maneuvers the Americans never would have defeated the British.
Washington's selection to be the leader of the Continental Army was the wisest choice that the newly formed Continental Congress could have made. Washington's selection as Commander of the Continental Army did more to win the Revolutionary war than any other decision made during the conflict. His personal character epitomizes perfectly the five traits required in a successful general: wisdom, sincerity, humanity, courage, and strictness. (Sun Tzu p. 65) These five crucial traits will become apparent and Washington's strategy to win the War of Independence is elaborated on further
Washington understood that what lies ahead would be difficult, considering he would be facing the most powerful country in the world. But he probably didn't expect his worst problems to come from his own army, which was an undisciplined and untrained group that would eventually tamper with his great patience. Through it all, he would stay determined and always try to stay one step ahead of the enemy. In the summer of 1775, the Americans prepared to attack the British in Boston. But Washington was informed that they were shorthanded on gunpowder.
The plans for Yorktown actually started up in May of 1781 when General Washington joined up with French General Rochambeau. The American forces at this time were stationed in the area of New York City closely watching British General Clinton’s forces. Washington knew that General Cornwallis who had been dominating in the south would soon be moving northward to rendezvous with Clinton’s and General Nathaniel Green’s forces. He also knew that if this happened it would be near impossible of defeating the British. As Cornwallis continued his northern track he ran into trouble at the Battle of Cowpens. In fact he lost much of his light infantry and cavalry in the Carolinas. He did score a victory at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, but this would prove to not help him much as he took severe losses and consumed a lot of time.
Battle of Long Island. After leaving Boston, British General Howe planned to use New York as a base. The British captured Staten Island and began a military build-up on Long Island in preparation for an advance on Brooklyn. Washington succeeded in saving his army by secretly retreating onto Manhattan Island. Washington eventually retreated from Manhattan, fearing the prospect of being trapped on the island, and the British occupied New York City.
He shaped the U.S. and had an enormous effect on the world. Many of the achievements of Washington, whether they were in the office as president or on the battlefield as commander, left major ripples in the pond of history. These deeds affected the life of Americans throughout the years and helped to shape the U.S. today. After enduring most of the war Washington knew a final push would crush British support for the war. Soon the French decided to fight alongside the Americans. Cassel (1994) points out that it was, “Franklin that brought a French force of 7,800 regular soldiers, splendidly uniformed in white broadcloth alongside of an ill-clad American contingent of roughly equal size under Washington at Yorktown.” (n.p.). Washington, in collaboration with the French navy, defeated Cornwallis at Yorktown and the British support for the war. Also, he led his troops through a disastrous blizzard to fight a battle on Christmas, where they conquered the Hessian troops in Trenton. He led his men with brilliant control and raw
After Washington’s victories at Trenton and Princeton Howe became more pessimistic asking for more troops and attempting to manage expectations about the war. (site) Howe also hope his over land conquest of Philadelphia would draw out Washington’s army making it available for destruction. (site) The Philadelphia first plan ensured the glory of victory belonged to Howe by limiting Burgoyne’s profile and impact on the war, especially if his invasion was delayed until reinforcement arrived. He finally settles on attaching Philadelphia via the Chesapeake Bay this all but abandon’s Burgoyne’s effort to the north.
Imagine this country without any major figures, what would it be like today? If no one would have spoken up for what they believed in, would America still be America? Their impact on America was so great that in order to honor and remember them we have imprinted some of their faces on money and even have their faces sculptured on mountains such as Mount Rushmore. Even though, some may not be as “big” as others, they still played a part in building America. Keep in mind some of these great people suffered serious consequences to fight for what they believe in.
"His mind was great and powerful, without being of the very first order; his penetration strong . . . Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever obstacles opposed." (Thomas Jefferson, as cited in "George Washington," 2006, para.19) George Washington is one of the most recognized and famous leaders in all history of the United States of America. He contributed greatly to the establishment of this prosperous country, from leading the Revolutionary armies into battle, to running the country as the first president, Washington has set precedence and example for all who have and are yet to follow. He was a noble man who demonstrated characteristics one would expect from a hero figure. He was not power-hungry, but did things and played his role for the good of the country, for patriotic purposes, to help America become the success it is today. In March of 1783, the soldiers of the American military were restless, bored and in a terrible state of doubt and distrust concerning the newly formed congress of the country. When these soldiers joined the army, they were promised a certain amount of money according to their service, but by the war's end, congress was nearly broke and not in a position to pay them all they had earned. The soldiers planned a rebellion against congress for their unjust treatment, and attempted to hold an unauthorized meeting of the officers on the matter. Washington forbade the meeting, but called for one a few days later, in which he gave his speech concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy ("The Rise and Fall," 2006, para.2). General Washington was a highly respected man among his peers, soldiers, and fellow men. His opinions, approval, and presence alone were enough to validate many plans, documents, and meetings throughout his life, so it is no wonder that even simple words or acts performed by General Washington were respected, and more often than not, taken to heart by his audience; perhaps this is why it may seem surprising that one of the most important speeches he ever gave fell on relatively deaf ears, leaving the audience hesitant, confused, seemingly unaffected by his powerful use of diction, and emotional appeal.
colonists defeated the British at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. This victory proved to the French that America was worthy of an alliance. Not only did the French supply the colonies with huge sums of money and arms, they also provided them with the best navy. The French helped the Americans win the battle at Yorktown by trapping the British with their navy. Without France’s support, the colonists would have been left floundering for freedom.