Bibliograph

Type

Label

Washington's Crossing, David Hackett Fischer

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 459-486) and index

Illustrations

mapsillustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Washington's Crossing

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

53075605

Responsibility statement

David Hackett Fischer

Series statement

Pivotal moments in American history

Summary

"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

Table Of Contents

Three armies in America:-- The rebels -- The regulars -- The Hessians -- A cataract of disaster:-- Plan of the campaign -- The fall of New York -- The retreat -- The pivot point:-- The crisis -- The occupation -- The opportunity -- The crossing:-- The river -- The march -- The surprise -- Risking it all:-- Hard choices -- Good g round -- The bridge -- The boldest stroke:-- Two councils -- The Battle at Princeton -- The aftermath

Classification

Creator