Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer

While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans invented an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. We see how the campaign developed in a web of hard choices by many actors on both sides. European leaders were quick to take notice.įischer's richly textured narrative reveals the role of contingency in these events. A new three-year army was recruited, a continental executive was organized, and the states created permanent republican governments. Initiative in small attacks that took a large toll of Howe's army, and wrecked his strategy.

Badly shaken, the British retreated to an enclave near the coast. They escaped in the night, marched behind the enemy, and defeated a British brigade at Princeton. The Americans repelled an attack by Lord Cornwallis, but were nearly trapped. A second battle of Trentonįollowed a week later. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, Washington led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. They created an opportunity for George Washington. In mid-December, the people of occupied New Jersey began to rise against British and German troops. Panic and despair spread through the states.Īs the author recounts in this riveting history, many Americans refused to let the Revolution die. George Washington lost 90 percent of his army, and was driven across the Delaware River. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia.

Six months after Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost.

Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer