George Washington on the
Defensive in the Revolutionary War
Strategy: Washington had to be very smart to go up against such a talented army.
Following the outbreak of war, Washington and his troops were quick to surround the British forces in Boston. He established himself as an excellent military strategist when faced with the challenge of stopping the British from getting supplies from the sea.
After Patriots captured Fort Ticonderoga from the British,Washington sent Henry Knox to bring back its cannons to Boston. He had these cannons placed on Dorchester Heights, which were hills overlooking the Boston Harbor so that the British could no longer get supplies. Thanks to Washington, this move ended the Siege of Boston, forcing the British to flee to Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 17, 1776.
However, Washington knew that the British were not finished and that they would return. And he knew that New York’s harbor would be their target as it would be a perfect base for their navy. His army built up defenses of New York’s harbor and waited for the British attack. On July 6, 1776, news reached New York that the Continental Congress had voted for independence, and Washington sent his soldiers to the center of Manhattan to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence.
With a huge force building, the British tried to negotiate with George Washington, offering pardons, which meant forgiveness for what the British perceived as treason. But Washington responded: “Those who have committed no fault want no pardon.” On August 22, 1776, 20,000 British troops landed on Long Island and surrounded Washington’s Army. Many were either killed or captured, with those remaining retreating to Brooklyn Heights, except for an extremely brave group of Maryland soldiers. They numbered no more than 270 and were up against more than 2,000 British soldiers with cannons. Despite this disadvantage, the Maryland soldiers attacked the British, allowing the other Patriot troops to escape to Brooklyn Heights. Less than a dozen of the Maryland soldiers survived, but their deaths saved many more – a remarkable act of bravery and selflessness. George Washington looked on and is reported to have said, “Good God, what brave fellows I must this day lose.” Washington and his Continental Army were surrounded by the British in Brooklyn Heights. The British believed that they had Washington and his troops trapped, but Washington, under nightfall, was able to evacuate his remaining army of 9,000 soldiers without any more loss of life. After several defeats, Washington evacuated his army to Pennsylvania.
While Washington is famous for being a wonderful military leader, this did not come without hardships. Washington fought through many challenges during his time in the military.
Let’s Reflect
Has there ever been a time when you felt all hope was lost? If so, how did you respond to that?