Nov. History Book Club: Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer
Details
Our final book of American history for the 250th Anniversary year is one more look at the founding of the U.S. and the American Revolution. It is a Pulitzer winner that focuses on one of the turning points of the war: Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer, Here is what the publisher has to say about the book:
"Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia.
Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken.
Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning."
Please remember that this is, first and foremost, a book club. Like any local book club, the point is discussion about a shared experience - reading a book! It is not a lecture series. So as usual, get a copy of the book, read it and then join us for another interesting discussion. We continue to meet virtually because so many of our members now join us from locations outside the D.C area.
A zoom link to the discussion will be posted on this page before the meeting.