The American War for Independence

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how historian David Hackett Fischer, in his book "Washington's Crossing", perceives the American victory in the War for Independence as a true moral victory for the Americans. The paper explains his belief that since the Americans were free men who were willingly fighting for their values and ideals, they triumphed over the larger Hessian mercenary and British army who only half-believed in the British cause. The paper contrasts the moral force and discipline in the American army and their ethical care of prisoners of war to the conduct of the British army. The writer asserts that it is sad as an American to read this book in light of recent scandals about the American army's mistreatment of prisoners of war.

From the Paper:

"Fischer uses as a kind of case study the famous crossing of the Delaware River by Washington, which proved such a decisive victory for the Americans in war. By all odds, the Americans should not have won because of their inferior numbers. The fact that they took the garrisoned Hessians by surprise on Christmas Day is part of the reason for their success. (Fischer notes that these professional soldiers, despite popular American mythology, were not drunk--surprised, yes, but not drunk). He attributes the survival of the Patriot army to their zeal and belief in freedom, and the way that the values of the Enlightenment and the common man were upheld by the Americans in the war. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fischer, David Hackett. Washington's Crossing. New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

More papers on The American War for Independence:

• Analytical Essay # 146120 : "Colonial Victory in the American War of Independence"
• Term Paper # 60217 : "Philippine-American War and Insurgency Against America"
• Book Review # 29024 : "The War for America"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: