1776

Another book I finished recently was 1776 by David McCullough. The book examines the first full year of the revolutionary war from both the American and British perspective.

I really enjoyed the book, and after reading it, I have to say that my admiration for George Washington continues to grow. Its not because he was the best tactical general in the revolutionary army. He was anything but that. On several occasions he proposed attacks that likely would have either led to a resounding defeat (like the plan to attack Boston over the frozen waters) or resulted in much larger losses to his army than necessary (his plan to attack Yorktown head on without first softening it up with artillery). No, Washington's brilliance seemed to be in his ability to inspire his men when things were hopeless, and his willingness to put his ego aside and listen to those around him.

Although the book did not deal with this, Washington was what he did after the war was over. The world is full of stories of successful revolutionary leaders who seized power for themselves. Washington could very well have been the king of America. Instead, he resigned his commission from the army, and gave up whatever power that he had. After two terms in office, he voluntarily stepped down and did not run for another term.

It also struck me how close a thing that the revolution came to failing. Favorable weather and the indecisiveness of British generals were often as important to America's success as its own army. Perhaps that last statement is not completely fair. Those men in the continental army did a wondrous thing, its just that sometimes they had a little help along the way.