...The Battle of Princeton was a great victory for the Americans during the Revolutionary war. Had General Mercer and John Haslet not been killed along with other American officers, the victory would have been even greater. General Washington could have utilized the momentum from his victory at Princeton to advance his troops upon New Brunswick before the winter encampments. The battle of Princeton occurred on the morning of 3 January, 1777 just nine days after the American victory at Trenton. The battle will forever remain a key American victory. My writings will illustrate in-depth analysis of General Washington’s and Colonel Mawhood’s initial movements that could have led to a more one-sided American victory at Princeton. Subsequently, General Washington could have won that war sooner if he continued with a follow on mission to...
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...Revolutionary War Taylor Hunter ENG/101 October 26, 2014 The battle of Trenton and Princeton began to erupt in the same year of the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War had started because the Americans wanted the same rights the as the British citizens had. The British refused to give Americans the same rights because they (British) didn’t think the Americans shouldn’t be represented as a part of the British Parliament, instead their (British) minds were more focused on building revenue. The British had ignored the Americans demands in which the British thought the Americans demands were a cause of outrage. There were so many different wars that had erupted during the Revolutionary War. The battle between Trenton and Princeton had begun on December 25, 1776. The battle between Trenton and Princeton had taken place in Trenton, NJ on the Delaware River. Before the battles between Trenton and Princeton in 1776, even with the weather being bad with snow storms. General William Howe had driven the Continental Army out of New York. After the Continental Army was driven out of New York, they were forced to retreat. George Washington had learned about the Continental Armies expiration of their enlistment and decided to attack the British before the army dispersed. George Washington was adamant about crossing the Delaware and across the river above Trenton and attack the Hessian garrison. George Washington had over twenty four hundred men from different...
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...George Washington was the first President of the United States of America, and general of the revolutionary war. George was a Virginia planter, surveyor, and land speculator for 15 years, before he got into conventional armies. Despite having small practical experience in handling large, conventional armies, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader of the American military forces during the war. In July of 1775, George Washington accompanied Braddock on an expedition and served as an aide-de-camp. Braddock assigned Washington to several duties during the war which gained him recognition. Although Washington was only a volunteer, he saved Braddock’s army from extermination during the French and Indian War. Moreover, in 1775,...
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...Military Leader”, “Washington leads troops into winter quarters at Valley Forge”, “ Battle of Trenton.” and “Battle of Yorktown begins.” these articles portray Washington as a courageous leader, an experienced general and a masterful tactician. Washington was not the greatest of leaders; he did not win every battle but what sets Washington aside from other leaders was that he had courage. “In The battle of the Wilderness, Washington had two horse shot from beneath him”(Pg.1 What Made George Washington a Good Leader). Having horses shot from under him did not cause him to falter and he pushed on with his troops and led them to victory. Washington also demonstrated these similar traits in the battles of Yorktown and Trenton; he even demonstrated courage during the Continental army’s stay at Valley Forge .He also displayed courage while being doubted by many people such as his soldiers and officers. He decided to inoculate his troops in order to save them from dying of small pox. During the battle of Trenton Washington once more displayed courage by deciding to have his troops cross the Delaware River and fight the Hessians. The troops could have been sitting ducks while stuck in ice; this single decision could have changed history itself. If...
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...Washington. Washington used his mind in fighting war instead of just brute force. He turned the battlefield and the art of war into a chess match. Washington’s efforts in the Revolutionary War were very significant I that they ultimately help lead to the American victory in the Revolutionary War. “Washington’s genius lay in his understanding of power, both military power and political power, an understanding unmatched by that of any of his contemporaries.” (Morgan, p6) Washington’s military tactics where showcased in many battles of the Revolutionary War, such as the Battle of Trenton, Battle of Princeton, and the Battle of Yorktown. During these battles Washington was able to out think and out whit the British by devising schemes that led him to victory in each of these battles. So, how significant were George Washington’s military strategies in winning the Revolutionary War? George Washington was the oldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. He was born on February 22, 1732 in present day Westmoreland County, Virginia. Washington spent many of his early days on the family estate on Pope Creeks along the Potomac River. While he was there he received somewhat of an education learning different subjects such as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and “rules of civility.” At age 11 Washington’s father died in 1743, and soon after he went to live with his half brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon. Lawrence became a father figure to George, and...
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...The American War for Independence: Sea Power, Joint and Combined Operations: Question 7. Given the overwhelming British victories in New York and New Jersey in 1776, how was General Washington able to avoid catastrophic defeat and eventually win the war? By Julie Moss A paper submitted to the Faculty of the Naval War College in partial satisfaction of the requirements of the Department of Strategy and War. The contents of this paper reflect my own personal views and are not necessarily endorsed by the Naval War College or the Department of the Navy. Signature: /JKM/ BACKGROUND Following the French-Indian War, The American Revolution began between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the former British colonies in North America. The British power was trying to overwhelm the colonists of New America with many acts, such as the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, and the Intolerable Acts, all of which were deemed illegitimate by the colonists and in violation of the rights as Englishmen. For the most part, colonists were trying to reject the oligarchies that were common in Europe and started to believe in Republicanism based on the Enlightenment. Many leaders took part in this Revolution; one of the most important of whom was General George Washington. His role was vital in the victory for Americans and their freedom from the power of Britain. As the war for independence approached, Washington was known throughout the American Colonies for his courage and military exploits...
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...time between Washington’s occupation as a land surveyor in his youth and becoming the first president of these great United States he fought in the French and Indian War for the British then the Revolutionary War against the British. All of Washington’s battles were fought with the upmost courage and character. George Washington’s military life began when Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie appointed him as military adjutant, with the rank of major in the Virginia militia. The job of a military adjutant was to teach soldiers...
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...military sonata for pianoforte, The Battle of Trenton Sonata is a through-composed work by American composer James Hewitt. A contemporary of Beethoven, Hewitt was born and raised in England until moving to New York in 1792 at the age of 22. Throughout his career, James Hewitt was very active in both Boston and New York as a conductor, composer/arranger and music publisher. The story behind Hewitt’s sonata unfolded in Trenton, New Jersey on December 25th 1776 as President Washington led his Army across the Delaware River, preceding The Battle of Trenton that occurred the next day. Although a large number of the opposing Hessians escaped, within an hour of battle nearly nine hundred were captured by Washington’s Army. This was the first pivotal victory of the American Revolutionary War, boosting reenlistments into the Continental Army. Twenty years after this event, James Hewitt published his sonata in 1797 after living as an American citizen for just over five years. The Sonata is written using numerous titled sections that correspond with the historical event: “Army in Motion”, “General Orders”, “Washington’s March”, “Defeat of Hessians”, “Yankee Doodle”, and “General Rejoicing”. Essentially, the composers goal whilst writing a military sonata was to recreate the event with music as best as possible. With regards to tempo markings and tonality, Hewitt is able to effectively match the mood of each event, for example: “Washington’s March” is marked as maestoso while “Attack” alternates...
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...The Battle of Trenton: A Battle Analysis The American victory in the battle of Trenton could not have come at a better time for Colonial forces. The fledgling army of the United States and seen multiple defeats and was on the verge of collapse. The quick victory over the professional fighting force of German Hessians did much to boost morale and solidify General George Washington’s command. The battle also taught General Washington a valuable lesson about intelligence. While a relatively small engagement compared to many other major historical battles, a Battle Analysis will show the impact was far reaching and had intelligence assets not worked out, could have easily been a disastrous defeat for the Americans. Defining the Subject On 26 December, 1776 American forces under the leadership of their commander-in-chief, General George...
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...pivotal year of the American Revolution. Through extensive research and attention to detail, McCullough examines the key figures, decisions, and battles that shaped the nation's destiny. He did research in twenty-five different libraries, archives, and special collections. He even went to several historical sights in the United States and the United Kingdom to make sure that all of his facts were correct and to give the best depiction of what happened in the year 1776. Throughout the book, McCullough puts a huge emphasis on specific military figures, such as General Charles Lee, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox,...
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...AMERICAN REVOLUTION ALSO KNOWN AS UNITED STATES WAR OF INDEPENDENCE REFERS TO THE UPRISING OF 13 OF BRITAIN'S NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES. IT IS THESE COLONIES THAT FIRST WON POLITICAL INDEPENDENCE AND WENT ON TO FORM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THIS CAME AFTER THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR IN 1763, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO MAKE ITS NORTH AMERICAN COLONIES PAY MORE OF THE COSTS OF GOVERNING AND DEFENDING THEM BECAUSE BRITAIN’S VICTORY OVER FRANCE HAD BEEN WON AT A GREAT COST. BRITISH EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO NEARLY £6,5 MIL BEFORE THE WAR AND ROSE TO £14 MIL DURING THE WAR. AS A RESULT THE BURDEN OF TAXATION IN ENGLAND WAS PROBABLY THE HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY'S HISTORY, MUCH OF IT BORNE BY THE POLITICALLY INFLUENTIAL LAND OWNING CLASS. FURTHERMORE, WITH THE ACQUISITION OF THE VAST DOMAIN OF CANADA AND THE PROSPECT OF HOLDING BRITISH TERRITORIES BOTH AGAINST THE VARIOUS NATIONS OF NATIVE INDIANS AND AGAINST THE SPANIARDS TO THE SOUTH AND WEST, THE COSTS OF COLONIAL DEFENSE COULD BE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE INDEFINITELY. IT THEREFORE SEEMED REASONABLE TO BRITISH OPINION THAT SOME OF THE FUTURE BURDEN OF PAYMENT SHOULD BE SHIFTED TO THE COLONISTS THEMSELVES--WHO UNTIL THEN HAD BEEN LIGHTLY TAXED. OVER THE NEXT 12 YEARS BRITAIN IMPOSED A SERIES OF NEW TAXES AND OTHER REVENUE-RAISING MEASURES ON THE COLONIES THAT AROUSED HEATED OPPOSITION. THE AMERICAN COLONISTS RESENTED THE TRADE REGULATIONS BY WHICH BRITAIN UTILIZED AMERICAN ECONOMIC...
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...Thomas Jefferson and George Washington’s relationship was very united and continued that way until Thomas Jefferson was in Washington's cabinet. It was until Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton bumped heads with differences of opinions when Thomas Jefferson was infuriated by the fact that the President took side with Hamilton instead of his own ideas. And although this description was written a while after Washington's death he still held high respects for the first president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson’s tone is very high praised for Washington’s character. Throughout the letter he holds Washington with parts of exaggerations to emphasize Washington’s character. The few hyperboles expressed in the letter is to accentuate his heart and apprehensiveness, and nobleness of his stature. Jefferson describes Washington to have a powerful mind, the ability to be incapable of fear, and his heart valuing everyman's value. “...the best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on...
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...“If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” (Martin Luther King Jr.) This quote describes nobody, but General Nathanael Greene. Greene never stopped working to his fullest potential ability, always sedulously achieving his goals. Born at Botowonut in Warwick, Rhode Island on July 27, 1742, Greene was able to pursue his dreams as president of Yale College. With a keen mind, a genius for organization, and an ability to understand and use America’s geography and topography to his advantage, Greene demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for military leadership. Later, Greene became known as the “Fighting Quaker” because of his religious background, which...
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...Except from Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer CONCLUSION ~ The War and the American Revolution We have a very difficult card to play. We often have to act by the moon or twilight and leave the World to judge it in the clear sunshine. -General William Maxwell to Adam Stephen, April 10, 17771 On New Year’s Day in 1777, Robert Morris sent George Washington a letter that rings strangely in a modern ear. “The year 1776 is over,” Morris wrote. “I am heartily glad of it and hope you nor America will ever be plagued with such another.” Washington shared that feeling, which was very far from our own. We celebrate 1776 as the most glorious year in American history. They remembered it as an agony, especially the “dark days” of autumn.2 Americans have known many dark days, from the starving times in early settlements to the attack on the World Trade Center. These were the testing times and the pivotal moments of our history. It was that way in 1776, after the decision for independence and the military disasters in New York. In early December, British commanders believed that they were very close to ending the rebellion, and American leaders feared that they might be right. Then came a reversal of fortune, and three months later the mood had changed on both sides. By the spring of 1777, many British officers had concluded that they could never win the war. At the same time, Americans recovered from their despair and were confident that they would...
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...“Give me liberty or give me death”(“Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” Speech.”). George Washington definitely applied this saying when fighting in the Revolutionary War. Washington being called the Father of His Country has done many wonderful things for everyone. Being the leader of the Patriots, he had lived a successful and long life. Thomas Jefferson said “On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in a few points indifferent; and it may truly be said that never did a nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great…” (“Revolutionary-War.net.” “Greatest Stories Ever Told”) To think it all started here and in the end people like Jefferson would be saying things like this about him. George Washington’s family, education, and military career has helped America become a better country for all....
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