George Washington's Military Genius by Dave Richard Palmer

Author:Dave Richard Palmer
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781596983137
Publisher: Regnery History
Published: 2016-04-20T09:48:56+00:00

CHAPTER EIGHT

A CHOICE OF DIFFICULTIES:

JULY 1776—DECEMBER 1777

Having won their independence, Americans were obliged immediately to defend it. That was the burden of the war’s second phase, a period lasting a year and a half. It might appropriately be titled “defending the United States.” Only twice did London assemble and send to America major expeditionary forces, and both came during this phase—one in 1776, the other in 1777.

British generals viewed their mission as entering royal colonies to throw out a renegade regime in order to restore lawful government. Not surprisingly, patriot generals defined their own task in quite different terms; they saw it as the defense of national shores against a foreign invader. Each officer and soldier should now realize, Washington warned solemnly in general orders announcing the Declaration of Independence, that the “peace and safety of his country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms.” That was soldierly rhetoric meant to inspire the troops, but it was also true. The new nation had no allies, no central executive authority, and no means to raise funds, though each was essential for national defense. Ultimate victory or defeat depended entirely on the performance of the thoroughly amateurish Continental army and the still untried general at its head.

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