Winning Independence

March 1, 2021
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.

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March 22, 2021
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.

Starred review from May 1, 2021

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

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