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Summary
Summary
Co-Winner of the 2022 Harry M. Ward Book Prize
From celebrated historian John Ferling, the underexplored history of the second half of the Revolutionary War, when, after years of fighting, American independence often seemed beyond reach.
It was 1778, and the recent American victory at Saratoga had netted the U.S a powerful ally in France. Many, including General George Washington, presumed France's entrance into the war meant independence was just around the corner.
Meanwhile, having lost an entire army at Saratoga, Great Britain pivoted to a "southern strategy." The army would henceforth seek to regain its southern colonies, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, a highly profitable segment of its pre-war American empire. Deep into 1780 Britain's new approach seemed headed for success as the U.S. economy collapsed and morale on the home front waned. By early 1781, Washington, and others, feared that France would drop out of the war if the Allies failed to score a decisive victory that year. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of Britain's army, thought "the rebellion is near its end." Washington, who had been so optimistic in 1778, despaired: "I have almost ceased to hope."
Winning Independence is the dramatic story of how and why Great Britain--so close to regaining several southern colonies and rendering the postwar United States a fatally weak nation ultimately failed to win the war. The book explores the choices and decisions made by Clinton and Washington, and others, that ultimately led the French and American allies to clinch the pivotal victory at Yorktown that at long last secured American independence.
Author Notes
John Ferling is professor emeritus of history at the University of West Georgia. He is the author of many books on the American Revolution, including The Ascent of George Washington ; Almost a Miracle ; A Leap in the Dark ; Whirlwind, a finalist for the 2015 Kirkus Book Prize ; and, most recently, Apostles of Revolution : Jefferson, Paine, Monroe, and the Struggle Against the Old Order in America and Europe. He and his wife, Carol, live near Atlanta.
Reviews (4)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Historian Ferling (Apostles of the Revolution) examines in this deeply researched and well-argued account how the Revolutionary War shifted from a conflict "that many on both sides had thought would be short, and not especially bloody" to a "gigantic world war" that dragged on for eight years. He details England's missed opportunities to quash the rebellion early on, before delving into how Sir Henry Clinton, who took charge of British forces in North America in May 1778, stalemated the conflict by shifting troops and resources from the North to the South, seeking to regain British control of the Carolinas and Georgia. Bucking conventional assessments of Clinton's leadership, Ferling portrays him as a "comprehensive and thoughtful" tactician whose "southern strategy" sunk the rebels' morale, ravaged the American economy, and nearly led to a negotiated peace with England in control of multiple colonies. Though Ferling is more focused on tactics and strategies than personalities, he draws incisive comparisons between Clinton's belief that "more was to be gained from avoiding defeat than rolling the dice in hopes of gaining victory" and Gen. George Washington's mindset. Readers will gain fresh insight into how thin the line between victory and defeat was for both armies. Agent: Geri Thoma, Writers House. (May)
Kirkus Review
A masterly history of the lesser-known second half of the Revolutionary War. Ferling reminds readers that American patriots, ecstatic after the 1777 victory at Saratoga, were not expecting the fighting to continue for nearly twice as long as before. In the scene-setting preface, the author gives low marks to both commanders, dubbing Washington a figure of great political acumen but risk-averse. Though Gen. William Howe mostly got the better of Washington, he was often lethargic and wrong-headed. More than most historians, Ferling gives credit to Howe's second-in-command, Henry Clinton, who took over in 1778. With the declaration of war by France, Clinton sent nearly half his troops to the West Indies and several thousand more to Canada and Florida. Historians--if not most Americans--understand that Britain's priority after that declaration was defeating its major rival, leaving Clinton shorthanded. By year's end, Saratoga was old news, and massive aid from France was nowhere in sight. Ferling paints a vivid yet bleak picture: War weariness was widespread, Colonial currency nearly worthless, enlistments falling, and Washington increasingly desperate for men and supplies. Eventually, French loans helped to sustain the "enfeebled United States," and Washington fought no major battles for the three years before Yorktown, a fact that disturbed his French allies no less than American critics. Frustrated by Washington, Clinton turned his attention to the south, capturing Charleston in May 1780. "Some believed that Clinton's victory had saved Lord North's ministry, enabling Britain to remain at war," writes Ferling. Readers may recall that Gen. Charles Cornwallis continued north through Virginia to disaster at Yorktown. The author astutely points out that Clinton disapproved of Cornwallis' actions, and Washington opposed French commander Rochambeau's plan to march their armies down to Virginia but gave in. A traditionalist, Ferling concludes that, but for its blunders, Britain would have defeated the rebels, who made their own blunders--but not enough to lose. Impeccably researched, as usual, the book is a must-read for any student of Revolutionary history. Yet another excellent work of early American history from one of its best practitioners. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Choice Review
In this study, Ferling (emer., Univ. of West Georgia), a leading expert on the American Revolution, chronicles "the seemingly interminable struggle waged by both sides during the four years after Burgoyne's army surrendered at Saratoga" (p. xix). The British and Americans both faced significant challenges during these years, and the war's outcome was never a foregone conclusion. An introductory chapter covers the years 1775 to 1777. Chapter 2 commences after the Battle of Saratoga, and 10 subsequent chapters, spanning just over 500 pages, cover events through Yorktown and the war's end. Ferling discusses leaders, soldiers, and civilians as well as the many "twists and turns, ups and downs" (p. xix) of the conflict. In addition to the British and Americans, Ferling analyzes the role of other European powers and examines 18th-century warfare more generally. Although aspects of the story are familiar, Ferling breaks new ground with a comprehensive reexamination of Sir Henry Clinton's strategy and generalship. Thoroughly researched and well written, this work casts fresh light on the final years of the war and the reasons for American victory. It will interest university students at all levels, professional historians, and the general public. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers through faculty. --Thomas Daniel Knight, The University of Texas -- Rio Grande Valley
Library Journal Review
Ferling (emeritus, history, Univ. of West Georgia; Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation) writes a thoughtful analysis of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga and the 1781 Siege of Yorktown. Having written several books on the Revolutionary War, Ferling knows the subject intimately, and it shows throughout this impressively researched work. The author's nuanced account rehabilitates the character and career of British commander Henry Clinton, offering a fresh appraisal of Clinton's military tenure and his disapproval of the actions of British general Charles Cornwallis, especially after Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown. Ferling also considers the Continental Army, most notably the wartime efforts of Colonel George Washington and General Nathanael Greene. As in his previous books, Ferling effectively explains the inner workings of military strategy. His crisp writing, always accessible and engaging, turns what could be a too-lengthy read into a fast-paced page-turner. Specifically, he argues that American victory at Saratoga and Yorktown was far from guaranteed--chance, along with military strategy, played a significant role in the founding of the U.S. VERDICT Ferling's lengthy, comprehensive, and essential work has staying power and should become one of the leading resources on the Revolutionary War.--David Keymer, Cleveland
Table of Contents
| Preface | p. xvii |
| Chapter 1 Britain's War to Win, 1775-1777 | p. 1 |
| Chapter 2 A New War Coming | p. 53 |
| Chapter 3 From Hope to Consternation | p. 75 |
| Chapter 4 Launching the Southern Strategy | p. 109 |
| Chapter 5 The Year of Marking Time | p. 136 |
| Chapter 6 America's Saratoga | p. 181 |
| Chapter 7 Victories, Setbacks, and Missed Opportunities | p. 232 |
| Chapter 8 New Directions, New Hope | p. 280 |
| Chapter 9 Risk-Taking Becomes the Order of the Day | p. 319 |
| Chapter 10 Fateful Choices | p. 350 |
| Chapter 11 Choices and Far-Reaching Decisions | p. 386 |
| Chapter 12 Cornwallis's Gift | p. 430 |
| Chapter 13 Monumental Decisions | p. 450 |
| Chapter 14 The Trap Slams Shut | p. 473 |
| Chapter 15 Decisive Victory | p. 511 |
| Chapter 16 Reckoning | p. 534 |
| Acknowledgments | p. 563 |
| Selected Bibliography | p. 565 |
| Abbreviations and Notes | p. 579 |
| Index | p. 683 |
