With many, not all, important historical figures you gain more esteem and respect of their accomplishments through examination. This is especially true for the important leaders of the American Revolution. George Washington is admired more than ever today and Thomas Jefferson not as much now!
Thomas Fleming, who has written numerous books on colonial history provides vivid examples of how Washington, as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, learned from his mistakes early in the war. He eventually created a defensive strategy later that defeated the strongest army in the world at that time. In addition, many of the influential leaders wanted to rely on the militia to fight the battles, instead of a permanent professional army. Washington learned this wasn’t a strategy to win the war!
Often, Fleming, mentions how Washington followed the example of Fabius the Roman General who saved his army by avoiding a direct confrontation with Hannibal’s superior numbers. He describes, through many battles, how Washington and his most trusted supporters learned how to implement this unique strategy. Sounds simple, it wasn’t.
Fabius wasn’t popular at this time for using this defensive strategy nor was Washington. Many military and politicians believed they had superior leadership and battle strategies. They didn’t. This book shows all the difficulties, political schemes that Washington had to endure for him to eventually win the war. No other individual in the colonial era could have done this!
© American Revolution Photos
