In this episode we continue to explore the Federalist's military legacy by turning our attention to the creation of the first coastal fortifications and the establishment of the United States Navy. With Napoleon on the offensive in Europe and the Barbary states capturing American merchant ships, Congress took action to protect our shores and American interests overseas. Take a listen!
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In our last episode we spoke of the creation of the American Legion under the command of Anthony Wayne. We continue that story in this episode. Wayne was ready to meet the British and Indians in the Ohio Valley. Today, the 'battle' of Fallen Timbers would be called a skirmish. Nevertheless, Wayne's efforts broke the back of British power in the American interior. Wayne's victory set precedent's over how the American military would be organized for the next century. Please, take a listen!
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George Washington needed good news. After the failure of the Harmar and St. Clair expeditions, Anthony Wayne was convinced to return to the Army. A veteran of the American Revolution, for two years Wayne recruited and drilled a unique formation - the American Legion. Inspired by the Roman Legions of old, this combined arms unit was seen as the Washington administration's best hope for success. This episode introduces Wayne's labors in building a force that could secure the Northwest Frontier for the new Republic.
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One of the most pressing issues that George Washington had to solve was the security of the new frontier. The western borders stretched from the Appalachians to the Mississippi River. British outposts, still staffed with soldiers in violation of the Treaty of Paris, fomented unrest. Many of the Indian Tribes did not recognize the United States and were angry that settlers were moving into their lands. Washington sent two expeditions west, one under Josiah Harmar and the other under Arthur St. Clair to take care of the situation. Both met with failure, forcing Washington's hand. Take a listen!
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In this episode we explore the origins of the Constitution through the lens of national security. The Challenges facing the newly independent United States were many. Faced with a weak central government and, for some, a dangerous level of internal unrest, in the summer of 1787 a Constitutional Convention was called. The document would ultimately form the basis of our current system of government and was meant to insure domestic tranquility and see to the country's common defense.
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The Revolution was over. The newly minted United States had to face their future. The key questions facing the new government revolved around the character of their new institutions. Living up to the legacy revolution, the central government was left small, the army and the navy non-existent. While certainly living up to the legacy, only the future would reveal if it sidelining the Continental Army was the right thing to do.
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In the fall of 1781, the Continental Army and their French Allies had succeeded in trapping the British Army in Virginia in Yorktown. Unable to break the siege, General Cornwallis surrendered his force to Washington. Little did the General know, this was the last major battle of the American Revolution. Unwilling to continue the war, the British and Americans negotiated a peace treaty. The war was over. Independence was achieved, but now the hard work began.
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After General Cornwallis reestablished his base of operations from the Carolinas to Virginia, little did he know that he was setting up the conditions that would be lead to the end of the American Revolution. Ordered to hold a small port in Virginia, Cornwallis chose Yorktown. The French turned the tables on the Royal Navy, defeating the squadron sent to keep Cornwallis supplied. Hemmed in by the Continental Army on land and the French Navy at sea, Cornwallis had little choice but to sit tight and hold out.
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With General Cornwallis' departure to Virginia opened the door for the wholesale liberation of South Carolina. Rather than defend everything, the British and Greene clashed several times in 1781. While Greene technically came out as a loser, the British lost men they could not readily replace. To his credit, Green was successful in succeeded in pinning the British in several coastal enclaves where they would remain until the end of the war.
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As the southern campaign continues, Nathanael Greene entices British General Cornwallis deep into North Carolina. Cut of from a reliable supply line, it was Greene's hope to defeat a desperate and starving British column. Cornwallis indulges Greene and battles the Continentals and militia at Guilford Court House in the spring of 1781. While technically a draw, Cornwallis' force was too depleted to continue and regrouped with a new plan to attack Virginia. We also take the time to begin to explore the legacy of the revolution and its influence on the military institutions of the new republic.
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The war in the south continues......Nathanael Greene took over the reigns of command in the south at the end of 1780. With the assistance of Daniel Morgan, he began pursuing British General Cornwallis. While Morgan secured a victory over the British at Cowpens, South Carolina, it marked the beginning of a long campaign that would ultimately lead to the siege at Yorktown and the end of the revolution. We also touch on the war in the north as George Washington dealt with the difficult challenges of funding the army and dealing with the treachery of Benedict Arnold.
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Bonus episode! In late July and early August I visited the United Kingdom with my family. I thought I would share my thoughts about some of the attractions that we were drawn to. I am a firm believer that to understand history, we have to experience the places the events took place in. Great Britain certainly provides plenty of institutions and places that are compelling and meaningful. Take a listen!
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The fall of Charleston, South Carolina emboldened the British. Recruiting Loyalists and insisting on loyalty oaths, divided the colony and triggered a bitter internal conflict, if you will, a Civil War. In spite of the relative success of partisan leaders such as Francis Marion and Thomas Sumter, they could not win the war without the help of the Continental Army. Unfortunately, the hero of Saratoga, Horatio Gates was defeated at Camden, South Carolina, marking the lowest point of the war in the south. These episodes, as disastrous as they were, in the long run, would prove to be the beginning of the end of the American Revolution. If you have questions, please join us on the podcast's Facebook Page or send an email at americawarpodcast@gmail.com. Thanks for listening!
In this episode we turn our attention south. When Henry Clinton assumed command of British forces in North America, he turned his attention to the southern states. Governed by the assumption that British troops could break the revolution by appealing to the Loyalist sentiment in the South, Clinton moved into Georgia and captured Charleston South Carolina. We also briefly touch on the struggle to control the western frontiers. Take a listen.
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In the aftermath of France's entry into the war, Great Britain's resources were stretched thin. General Howe's replacement, Henry Clinton, could not be everywhere at once, so he evacuated Philadelphia to consolidate his forces in New York City. As the British marched across New Jersey, George Washington moved to intercept them. The two columns met at Monmouth Court House and fought for nearly an entire day in hot and humid weather. While for all intents and purposes this was draw, Washington demonstrated that he could continue to frustrate British efforts. Rather than continue the campaign in the northeast, the British chose to move south, which will be the topic of our next episode.
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Valley Forge, Pennsylvania is remembered as a patriotic sacrifice for the revolution. In fact, the iconography, as compelling as it, blurs the facts. The encampment was not the coldest that the Army ever endured, but it does allow us to examine three issues of equal importance - the break down of supply, attacks on George Washington's character, and the institutionalization of a training regime under the watchful eye of Baron von Steuben.
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In our last episode we spoke of the John Burgoyne's advance down the Hudson River Valley. After being repulsed at the Battle of Bennington and the failure of the siege of Fort Stanwix, Burgoyne was in trouble. Electing to continue his advance, he met Horatio Gates and his Continentals near Saratoga, New York. After two failed attempts to carry the American position, Burgoyne had no choice but to surrender. This was a pivotal point in the revolution. The victory convinced France to recognize the United States and bind themselves together in an alliance.
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One of the pivotal battles of 1777 took place in the Hudson River valley near the small town of Saratoga where John Burgoyne's forces met their match in the early fall of 1777. While not predestined for failure, by the last summer of 1777, Burgoyne's forces met some unexpected challenges that would, in hindsight, prevent him from achieving victory. This episode will concentrate on the prelude to this epic battle.
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In the mind of General Howe and his subordinates, 1777 offered another opportunity to end the rebellion in the thirteen colonies. In spite of a sound plan to cut off New England with a pincer movement from Canada and New York City, Howe's plans were derailed with his move to Pennsylvania. While he was successful in capturing the city, the Continental Army survived to fight another day. Moreover, his insistence on moving south deprived John Burgoyne's advance from Canada of mutual support.
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In our last episode, we spoke of the trials and tribulations of the Continental Navy. We continue the war at sea in this episode with a brief exploration of the Continental Marines. The United States Marine Corps traces their roots back to the American Revolution, so it seems appropriate to talk briefly about their legacy.
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We are going to take a break from the war on land and see what the Continental Congress was up to as it attempted to create an American navy. Naval actions occurred on the inland waterways of the northeast, American frigates and converted civilian vessels attempted to distract the Royal Navy with varying degrees of success, and privateers roamed the Atlantic and waters around North America preying on British merchant shipping. The roots of the United States Navy reach back to the revolution, so it is worthwhile paying attention to this story.
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The Continental Army was defeated and running out of steam in December, 1776. With the British on their tail, Washington put the Delaware River between himself and the British. Thinking that the Continental Army was done, the British went into winter quarters. Goaded by militia raids in New Jersey, Washington chose a plan of action and raided the Hessian garrison in Trenton, New Jersey. Defeating the Hessian's at Trenton, Washington's victory convinced the British to abandon New Jersey. It was a great victory and rekindled the fighting spirit of the Continental Army.
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In this episode we conclude with a British victory. Howe was able to maneuver George Washington's forces out of Manhattan Island and then across the Hudson River into New Jersey. While failing to destroy the Continentals, Howe was certain the rebels were on the ropes and could be dealt with decisively in the 1777 campaign season. While Washington's army shrank before his eyes, with the barrier of the Delaware River to protect him, he began to plan a raid that would keep the British off balance into the new year.
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After the evacuation of Boston, the British set their eyes on New York City. In the summer of 1776, the Howe brothers attacked George Washington's troops through the western end of Long Island. Washington was forced out of his position and had to evacuate Long Island to Manhattan. Rather than vigorously pursue the Continental Army, Howe waited, not wanting to alienate the Americans as he held out hope for a negotiated settlement.
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As we continue telling the story of the beginning of the American Revolution, we take our narrative up to the pivotal events that broke the British occupation of Boston. As George Washington was managing the siege, several of his subordinates went north, hoping to export the revolution to Canada. It failed to take. Once the British left Boston, both the British and Continentals began to consider next steps.......the invasion of New York City. If you enjoy this podcast, consider leaving a review of ITunes.
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