Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence by kennedy

Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence by kennedy - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

During the summer of 1776, America and Great Britain engaged in a battle that would lead to America's founding. The American Revolutionary War was the most significant war that would lead America to a newly independent country. The details of this war are portrayed in Joseph J. Ellis' Revolutionary War. The war consisted of many small battles fought between the Americans, led by George Washington, and the British, led by William Howe. The first and most crucial battle was "The Battle at Long Island." Ellis describes it as "one of the most brilliant tactical withdrawals in the annals of military history" (p.122). If Washington had lost to the British, this may have been the end of the Revolutionary War and would change the America we live in today. This battle began with a British assault on the morning of August 27. While the Americans concentrated on this assault, the dominant force of the British military attacked from the east, taking over the Americans. Washington feared to lose his whole army, so he requested to withdraw the military men to Brooklyn Heights. Stirling led the Maryland soldiers on seven attacks against the British soldiers, resulting in heavy losses for the British troops. Washington watched the action from Brooklyn Heights through his spyglass, saying, "Good God! What brave fellows I must this day lose" (p.142). Later, these brave men would be called the Maryland 400. On the evening of August 29, Washington led his men quietly over the East River to Manhattan to surprise the British. When the British woke up the next morning, they met with a battle and the eventual retreat of the Americans. Even though the British won this battle through withdrawal, Washington had achieved a grand escape. Washington's leadership abilities were displayed in his ability to lead men during these problematic times repeatedly. Washington used his resources to his advantage and fought to save his men. Ellis states that during the escape, as Tallmadge was being rowed across, he looked back to see Washington stepping into the last boat to leave Long Island. Ellis says, "It was the stuff of legend. In all nearly 10,000 men were safely ferried to Manhattan with only three stranglers lost. The planning had been precise." (p. 150).
In Revolutionary Summer, Ellis describes this tactic as "One of the most brilliant tactical withdrawals in the annals of military history," and I agree. Benjamin Tallmadge, an officer in the continental army, later wrote that "In the history of warfare I do not recollect a more fortunate retreat" (History.com). Some believe that Washington was an excellent general, and others believe that Washington was just lucky. I think Washington's choices during the escape at Long Island portrayed him as one of the greatest military commanders in history and eventually led to his success as President of the United States. Washington may have lost the battle, but he won the war.
Closer toward the end of the Revolutionary War, the British tried to recover a portion of their expenses from the Americans. In his famous novel, Revolutionary Summer, Joseph Ellis declares, "ensured a long conflict that the British could not win for political reasons and the Americans could not win for military reasons" (pp.171-172). Ellis' attempts to explain not only the military portion of the war but how the economy was affected as well. I accept this view from Ellis that the British could not win for military reasons and the Americans could not win for military purposes. England spent a tremendous amount of money battling the Revolutionary War, sending the national obligation taking off. Taxes raised as well. The exchange that Britain had depended on for riches was seriously interfered. Imports and fares experienced enormous drops and caused stocks and land costs to fall. A large number of trader boats were caught as well. On the other hand, wartime businesses encountered a lift. Unemployment rates fell as Britain battled to discover enough men for the military, which forced them to enlist German fighters. Moreover, while Britain increased a much bigger national obligation, it was in a situation to live with it, and there were no uprisings. In reality, Britain had the option to help a few armed forces during the war as opposed to paying for other individuals. It's been said that Britain actually gained from losing the war.
In conclusion, Britain spent too much money in order to attempt to win the war, giving the financial advantage to America. Although the British eventually had more men for the military, better weapons, and more training. Giving them the advantage in the military aspect of war. Ellis outlines this exceptionally well in the Revolutionary War. I support Ellis' reasoning for his idea that the British could not win for financial and economic reasons, and that the Americans could not win for both military reasons and lack of men. Although the Americans do eventually end up succeeding.