1776: A Critical Time in the American Revolution: Initiative and Leadership of George Washington, Continental Congress, American and British Forces, Strategic Setting, Long Island and Trenton Battles

Professionally converted for accurate flowing-text e-book format reproduction, this unique book examines how from a flawed strategy using inferior forces, George Washington was able to devise a strategy and implement changes that led the Revolution to a successful outcome. The initial failures of the Continental Army at the Battle of Long Island led Washington to reassess the strategy he inherited. Going against common consensus and the desires of the Continental Congress, Washington implemented a strategy of maneuver using the strengths of his forces to their greatest value. Without his ability and knowledge, it is doubtful that the American Revolution would have succeeded.

The Americans faced significant odds at the outset of the American Revolution. The War for Independence from Britain began with the Continental forces composed of a small amount of regular forces and states militia units fighting with no coherent strategy. The strategy implemented by Washington and the Continental forces following the Battle of Long Island in 1776 was markedly different from the initial desires of the Continental Congress at the outset of the American Revolution. The opening years of the Revolution were shaped by the lessons learned of the past. Historians and theorists of warfare from the 18th Century guided the formation of the Continental forces. Wars were fought for a specific purpose and were not fought over extended periods. This, along with the fear of a standing army led the Congress to rely on militia units at the outset of the Revolution. Further confusing the strategy development was the initial Continental success at Bunker Hill. The success in New England led the Continental Congress to several erroneous assumptions regarding the British strategy. The result was a flawed strategy that almost led to the destruction of a major portion of the Continental Forces. General George Washington was able to quickly recognize the limitations of his forces and the strategy he inherited when he took over as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Washington's daring use of amphibious capabilities during the Battle of Long Island and his concept of maneuver throughout the remainder of 1776 and into 1777 were crucial to the success of the Continental forces and prevented certain destruction at the hands of the much stronger British Army.