My Bookshelf: Washington’s Secret War by Thomas Fleming
Washington’s Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge is the first book I’ve read by Thomas Fleming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned a lot from reading it and found it was more than simply a story about survival during the winter of 1776-1777. Behind that story is the story of the political machinations of men. You had a faction of Congress that believed that a weak federal government was the best course for the states and worked toward this goal behind the scenes. George Washington was seen as a symbol of a strong federal government and because of this Congress worked to weaken his position. Washington found himself fighting a secret war to maintain his position and his army while he fought the public war against the British. I also have to say I was surprised at how Read more…
How a British bomber sunk Washington crossing the Delaware
Since George Washington crossed the Delaware River in 1776 and bombers didn’t make their appearance until the 20 Century, you might be a little confused by my headline to this post. Never fear. An explanation will follow, but a little background first. Washington Crossing the Delaware is an iconic painting of a crucial event in American history. When Washington and his Continental Army crossed the river on Christmas Day in 1776 and captured the Hessian troops in New Jersey, it marked a turning point in the war. Up until that point the fledging United States had lost all of its battles against Great Britain. The success of the sneak attack set the U.S. on the road to winning the war of Independence. Emanuel Leutze immortalized the event in his 1850 painting. The painting, which can be seen in its full Read more…
My Bookshelf: Washington's Secret War by Thomas Fleming
Washington’s Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge is the first book I’ve read by Thomas Fleming. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I learned a lot from reading it and found it was more than simply a story about survival during the winter of 1776-1777. Behind that story is the story of the political machinations of men. You had a faction of Congress that believed that a weak federal government was the best course for the states and worked toward this goal behind the scenes. George Washington was seen as a symbol of a strong federal government and because of this Congress worked to weaken his position. Washington found himself fighting a secret war to maintain his position and his army while he fought the public war against the British. I also have to say I was surprised at Read more…
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