The Glorious Cause - Section 1 = pages through 230
This is your 1st Blog on the Glorious Cause. Be sure to use Reading Thoughts and Thinking Like a Historian. You may respond to one other person's blog.
Reading Thoughts Prediction - I believe that General Washington will start to use a more offensive approach to the war. After the Rebel Army chased the Hessians out of Trent they gained the confidence that they needed to walk into a fight with the British.
Generalization - I think that a majority of Washington's strength was him playing to his army's weaknesses. For example, after the first battle with the British his men retreated without an order to out of fear. Washington used this to his advantage by building strong defensive forts. He knew that the British would keep fighting offensively.
Reading Like a Historian Turning points - There were two major turning points in Part One. The first was when Fort Washington was surrendered and Fort Lee abandoned. This left the rebel forces with minimal supplies as well as losing men and firearms. The second turning point was when Washington led the rebel forces into a battle against the Hessians in Trent. This gave Washington’s troops a morale boost to keep fighting because they have a chance to beat the British.
Using the Past - After the American Revolution the way that war was conducted was far different. Troops stopped lining up for battle and charging their opponent. They used more stealthy tactics such as hiding in the woods for a surprise attack on the enemy. This allowed armies to use fewer men, thus losing fewer men than when they would line up for battle.
Reading Thoughts Predictions – After finishing every chapter, I would look ahead to see whose perspective the following chapters were from and to see if there was a map of any battles. At first, it was a pretty safe prediction to think that the Continentals were going to retreat again and again, but after Trenton, everything changed. My predictions and view of the Continental Army went from a group of men capable of nothing to an army capable of strategically causing considerable problems for the most powerful country in the world. It wasn’t like I thought the Continentals could just stomp the British, but I, along with the French and other United States citizens, began to see the potential of an army fighting for a cause. Before every battle, I no longer expected defeat; instead, I looked for the strategy of George Washington to somehow prevent disaster and bring more small victories for the Continentals.
Importance – There were two main quotes or speeches from this section that I thought were significant or altered the fate of the United States. The first was by Nathan Hale, the teacher who hesitantly offered his service to the army as a spy even though no one would have blamed him for staying home to teach. His last words proved the fortitude and courage of the men to die for their cause, and to me, they described what enabled the American army to defeat the British. Before being hanged, Hale said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Secondly, just after Washington’s attack on Trenton, he is forced to give a speech to his soldiers pleading for them to reenlist. It is a speech that definitely changed the direction that the war would take. He spoke from his own emotions, putting pride aside and convinced the men that, together, they had become an army capable of victory. Had his speech failed, it is not hard to believe that the United States would have stood no chance against the British.
Reading Like a Historian Cause and Effect – One of the major mistakes made by the British was their lack of action. Howe preferred to savor all of his victories even though the situation carried the potential to destroy Washington’s army. Howe’s lack of action enabled the Continentals to stay ahead of the British and prolonged the war, allowing Washington and his men to become organized, experienced soldiers.
Differing Perspectives – Howe and Cornwallis often had differing opinions and their plans were highly contradictory. Whereas Howe was content to celebrate his victories, Cornwallis wanted action. Cornwallis preferred to take advantage of the opportunities the Continentals offered them, but Howe was too arrogant to think they would need any advantages. There was definitely a stark difference in the opinions of these two British commanders whose perspectives should not be that far apart when facing en enemy with unquestioning loyalty to their commander.
Jacob - Great job with your first blog. It appears as though you have found a book that truly captures your attention.
You have definitely begun to think like an historian. You have nicely identified turning points in the Revolutionary War. And I am glad you accurately used the past. In doing so, you can better connect to historical events.
Rachel - I am very impressed with your blog. You possess the skills of a great reader. It is great to see that you are looking ahead. I think it is really neat that your view of the Contintentals evolved.
You have noted the powers of words. Hale's quote is one of my favorite.
Keep up the great work on Thinking Like an Historian.
Thank you! Sorry, I just realized I forgot to comment on Jake's post.
After their victory at Trent, I had predicted that Washington would concentrate more on building a larger army and let the single victory boost the morale of his men rather than risk losing all of the progress they had just made. At the same time, I knew that it would give his men the much needed courage to be able to stand up and fight the British.
I think your generalization is so true! Washington did his best to strengthen his weaknesses with the little resources he had, but ultimately, he used careful tactics to help aid those weaknesses.
I completely agree with your turning points. After losing nearly all their supplies I wasn't sure how the Continentals would be able to survive the war. They were plagued by their lack of resources ad numerous losses, so when they were able to attack Trent victoriously, it was a huge success on many levels for the rebels.
Lastly, I especially like your using the past comment. It's something I had vaguely thought of before, but now that I'm thinking more about it, it's just so true! Now, with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, we think 50 casualties is disastrous. Whereas then, a battle, or even a day, with only 50 casualties is nearly impossible.
Questions: If the English military knew that there would be disapproval over the use of foreign Hessian mercenaries why did Howe allow the Hessian officers condone violent and unpredictable behavior with innocent citizens? This is referring to the fisherman killed in chapter one.
Importance: The American spy Nathan Hale has always been a bit of a tragic mystery. Ever since I started learning about him through history I have always gotten an incomplete story, but one thing always remained true, the famous line: “I only regret…that I have but one life…to lose for my country.” This book finally told me the whole story he was an educated man, but an average spy. This line could have only survived unless it left a significant impact on the British soldiers at his death because it was not just some one’s last words they were a declarations to the soldiers present that this war, no matter the cost, would not be over till the colonies were totally free from British control. This chapter out of the entire book was the most difficult to read.
Thinking Like a Historian:
Through their Eyes: Throughout the book commanders would periodically mention the unreliability of militia men in the field; the book also showed the cowardice of the men during the battles by showing how they ran into bogs, left their weapons, and went into fits of insanity. Yet, is it so hard for one to understand when they are untrained, have the occupations of mostly farmers, and are going against one of the strongest militaries in the world. From where I sit I can see that, and if Howe hadn’t been so slow and allowed them to get that needed training the Continental Army may have been captured several different times.
Differing Perspectives: Cornwallis and Howe were as different as night and day. Howe was content to sit and bask in the sun and Cornwallis wanted to get the job done. Throughout this section Cornwallis consistently wants to keep moving and Howe wants to stop and think about things. Howe would not listen to any plan but his own; as a result the war would last seven years, a happy retirement ruined, and a colony lost.
Comment: I agree with Rachel on the point with Trenton I had a hard time starting the book because of the consistent defeats. The book however, improved after Trenton as a result of the expectation of more than a retreat with barely an army , the expectation changed to a hope that the “Glorious Cause” had a chance. That no matter the odds this army was determined to fight and win.
Rachel, thank you for posting. I was starting to get a feeling that I was the only person reading this book.
I feel the same way Rachel, in the beginning I was wondering how we ever came around to winning the war. As the book went on we slowly started getting small victories. Eventually those small victories added up to larger battles won.
The same two quotes in the book stood out to me as well. If everyone in the army had the same feeling as Nathan Hale the war might have went better for the Americans in the beginning.
I agree with your comment on Howe's celebrations. It also allowed the Americans to make a major attack and generate morale that was greatly needed.
Howe and Cornwallis' contradiction is what allowed us to make all of our small victories. If Cornwallis would have been first in command then we would have gotten massacured before we had a chance to make a rebound.
Predictions- In a few cases, it was clear the Rebels had an advantage because they were at home. They knew what the terrain was like, they new how to live off the land and they acted like they had something to fight for. This "home field advantage" gave them a strong edge over the British. I think this will really help the Rebels win major battles in the future.
Importance- The reasons the Rebel's have to fight will strongly help them in the future. The Rebels are fighting because they want to, not because they have to. They are fighting for their families and for their rights, where the British are fighting strictly out of orders of the higher-ups. This will help the Rebels push through times are hardship and self-doubt.
Reading like a Historian:
Using the Past- General Washington's tactics used on the attack of the Hessians in Trenton should be looked at by today's military men. Washington knew when the risk was worth the reward, he also knew how to prepare so that if one plan fails, he wad more to back it up. He knew that if he won the battle, power would swing into his favor and he planned so that there was multiple ways to win the battle. I think today's military is too focused on the main goal, rather than making sure it will work. Washington surveyed for a while to ensure the safety of his men, something I think today's military could do a little better.
Through their Eyes- I think one of the driving factors in Washington's idea to attack Trenton was that his troops were suffering not only physically, but mentally. I think Washington saw his troops needed a moral boost, so he went ahead and planned a large battle that would send a shock wave of energy and happiness throughout the Army.
I think Howe ignored the attack upon innocent people because he didn't think there would be much retaliation. Howe saw his troops as these Godly group of men who could get anything accomplished. I think he saw this mistreatment of citizens as a minor offence, not worth wasting time of his own or his troops.
Predictions- Its clear that at the beginning of the book the Rebels are being badly beaten by the British Army, however, once the book progressed and Washington was able to come out with a key win at Trent against the Hessian, I believe that Washington will continue to win battles and eventually crush the British.
Importance- The Rebels have a better reason to fight than the British do, and I think that will play to their advantage. They are fighting for their freedoms, their rights, and their namesake; they fight for the betterment of where they live and what they stand for. The British fight because their king tells them too. I think that will play a big factor in battles to come.
Thinking Like A Historian
Cause and Effect- One of the biggest mistakes made by the British was their inability to finish, so many times they had Washington defeated and they backed off, allowing him to escape. They could have finished him at the Battle of Brooklyn Hieghts, but they sat back and waited, only to realize that he had gotten away. Because the British didnt destroy him when they had the chance, it allowed Washington to rebuild his armies and later defeat them at the Battle at Trent.
Change and Continuity- Many things changed because of the outcome of the American Revolution. For the first time in the history of the world, a country rebelled and replaced its past government with a government that was run and governed by the people and for the people. This changed the way a lot of people looked at government, and helped established Democracy oriented governments. It essentially changed the way people wanted to be governed and were governed. The only thing that remained the same was the US relation with France, and allies like that are worth their weight in gold.
Comment- I agree with Jacob when he said that battle tactics changed dramatically after the war ended. Armies became smarter and chose to hide and fire at the enemeies instead of lining up in rows and firing at each other. They made it easier to save their own lives by doing so.
Jacob Hehir
ReplyDeleteReading Thoughts
Prediction
- I believe that General Washington will start to use a more offensive approach to the war. After the Rebel Army chased the Hessians out of Trent they gained the confidence that they needed to walk into a fight with the British.
Generalization
- I think that a majority of Washington's strength was him playing to his army's weaknesses. For example, after the first battle with the British his men retreated without an order to out of fear. Washington used this to his advantage by building strong defensive forts. He knew that the British would keep fighting offensively.
Reading Like a Historian
Turning points
- There were two major turning points in Part One. The first was when Fort Washington was surrendered and Fort Lee abandoned. This left the rebel forces with minimal supplies as well as losing men and firearms. The second turning point was when Washington led the rebel forces into a battle against the Hessians in Trent. This gave Washington’s troops a morale boost to keep fighting because they have a chance to beat the British.
Using the Past
- After the American Revolution the way that war was conducted was far different. Troops stopped lining up for battle and charging their opponent. They used more stealthy tactics such as hiding in the woods for a surprise attack on the enemy. This allowed armies to use fewer men, thus losing fewer men than when they would line up for battle.
Rachel Maguire
ReplyDeleteReading Thoughts
Predictions – After finishing every chapter, I would look ahead to see whose perspective the following chapters were from and to see if there was a map of any battles. At first, it was a pretty safe prediction to think that the Continentals were going to retreat again and again, but after Trenton, everything changed. My predictions and view of the Continental Army went from a group of men capable of nothing to an army capable of strategically causing considerable problems for the most powerful country in the world. It wasn’t like I thought the Continentals could just stomp the British, but I, along with the French and other United States citizens, began to see the potential of an army fighting for a cause. Before every battle, I no longer expected defeat; instead, I looked for the strategy of George Washington to somehow prevent disaster and bring more small victories for the Continentals.
Importance – There were two main quotes or speeches from this section that I thought were significant or altered the fate of the United States. The first was by Nathan Hale, the teacher who hesitantly offered his service to the army as a spy even though no one would have blamed him for staying home to teach. His last words proved the fortitude and courage of the men to die for their cause, and to me, they described what enabled the American army to defeat the British. Before being hanged, Hale said, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Secondly, just after Washington’s attack on Trenton, he is forced to give a speech to his soldiers pleading for them to reenlist. It is a speech that definitely changed the direction that the war would take. He spoke from his own emotions, putting pride aside and convinced the men that, together, they had become an army capable of victory. Had his speech failed, it is not hard to believe that the United States would have stood no chance against the British.
Reading Like a Historian
Cause and Effect – One of the major mistakes made by the British was their lack of action. Howe preferred to savor all of his victories even though the situation carried the potential to destroy Washington’s army. Howe’s lack of action enabled the Continentals to stay ahead of the British and prolonged the war, allowing Washington and his men to become organized, experienced soldiers.
Differing Perspectives – Howe and Cornwallis often had differing opinions and their plans were highly contradictory. Whereas Howe was content to celebrate his victories, Cornwallis wanted action. Cornwallis preferred to take advantage of the opportunities the Continentals offered them, but Howe was too arrogant to think they would need any advantages. There was definitely a stark difference in the opinions of these two British commanders whose perspectives should not be that far apart when facing en enemy with unquestioning loyalty to their commander.
Mr. Seeley
ReplyDeleteJacob - Great job with your first blog. It appears as though you have found a book that truly captures your attention.
You have definitely begun to think like an historian. You have nicely identified turning points in the Revolutionary War. And I am glad you accurately used the past. In doing so, you can better connect to historical events.
Mr. Seeley
ReplyDeleteRachel - I am very impressed with your blog. You possess the skills of a great reader. It is great to see that you are looking ahead. I think it is really neat that your view of the Contintentals evolved.
You have noted the powers of words. Hale's quote is one of my favorite.
Keep up the great work on Thinking Like an Historian.
Rachel Maguire
ReplyDeleteThank you! Sorry, I just realized I forgot to comment on Jake's post.
After their victory at Trent, I had predicted that Washington would concentrate more on building a larger army and let the single victory boost the morale of his men rather than risk losing all of the progress they had just made. At the same time, I knew that it would give his men the much needed courage to be able to stand up and fight the British.
I think your generalization is so true! Washington did his best to strengthen his weaknesses with the little resources he had, but ultimately, he used careful tactics to help aid those weaknesses.
I completely agree with your turning points. After losing nearly all their supplies I wasn't sure how the Continentals would be able to survive the war. They were plagued by their lack of resources ad numerous losses, so when they were able to attack Trent victoriously, it was a huge success on many levels for the rebels.
Lastly, I especially like your using the past comment. It's something I had vaguely thought of before, but now that I'm thinking more about it, it's just so true! Now, with the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, we think 50 casualties is disastrous. Whereas then, a battle, or even a day, with only 50 casualties is nearly impossible.
Mr. Seeley
ReplyDeleteRachel and Jacob -
You have both done an amaing job with your blogs. I have definitely enjoyed reading your comments. Thanks for all the hard work.
Alexis Abrego
ReplyDeleteReading Thoughts:
Questions: If the English military knew that there would be disapproval over the use of foreign Hessian mercenaries why did Howe allow the Hessian officers condone violent and unpredictable behavior with innocent citizens? This is referring to the fisherman killed in chapter one.
Importance: The American spy Nathan Hale has always been a bit of a tragic mystery. Ever since I started learning about him through history I have always gotten an incomplete story, but one thing always remained true, the famous line: “I only regret…that I have but one life…to lose for my country.” This book finally told me the whole story he was an educated man, but an average spy. This line could have only survived unless it left a significant impact on the British soldiers at his death because it was not just some one’s last words they were a declarations to the soldiers present that this war, no matter the cost, would not be over till the colonies were totally free from British control. This chapter out of the entire book was the most difficult to read.
Thinking Like a Historian:
Through their Eyes: Throughout the book commanders would periodically mention the unreliability of militia men in the field; the book also showed the cowardice of the men during the battles by showing how they ran into bogs, left their weapons, and went into fits of insanity. Yet, is it so hard for one to understand when they are untrained, have the occupations of mostly farmers, and are going against one of the strongest militaries in the world. From where I sit I can see that, and if Howe hadn’t been so slow and allowed them to get that needed training the Continental Army may have been captured several different times.
Differing Perspectives: Cornwallis and Howe were as different as night and day. Howe was content to sit and bask in the sun and Cornwallis wanted to get the job done. Throughout this section Cornwallis consistently wants to keep moving and Howe wants to stop and think about things. Howe would not listen to any plan but his own; as a result the war would last seven years, a happy retirement ruined, and a colony lost.
Comment: I agree with Rachel on the point with Trenton I had a hard time starting the book because of the consistent defeats. The book however, improved after Trenton as a result of the expectation of more than a retreat with barely an army , the expectation changed to a hope that the “Glorious Cause” had a chance. That no matter the odds this army was determined to fight and win.
Jacob Hehir
ReplyDeleteRachel, thank you for posting. I was starting to get a feeling that I was the only person reading this book.
I feel the same way Rachel, in the beginning I was wondering how we ever came around to winning the war. As the book went on we slowly started getting small victories. Eventually those small victories added up to larger battles won.
The same two quotes in the book stood out to me as well. If everyone in the army had the same feeling as Nathan Hale the war might have went better for the Americans in the beginning.
I agree with your comment on Howe's celebrations. It also allowed the Americans to make a major attack and generate morale that was greatly needed.
Howe and Cornwallis' contradiction is what allowed us to make all of our small victories. If Cornwallis would have been first in command then we would have gotten massacured before we had a chance to make a rebound.
Michael Lukasik
ReplyDeleteReading Thoughts:
Predictions- In a few cases, it was clear the Rebels had an advantage because they were at home. They knew what the terrain was like, they new how to live off the land and they acted like they had something to fight for. This "home field advantage" gave them a strong edge over the British. I think this will really help the Rebels win major battles in the future.
Importance- The reasons the Rebel's have to fight will strongly help them in the future. The Rebels are fighting because they want to, not because they have to. They are fighting for their families and for their rights, where the British are fighting strictly out of orders of the higher-ups. This will help the Rebels push through times are hardship and self-doubt.
Reading like a Historian:
Using the Past- General Washington's tactics used on the attack of the Hessians in Trenton should be looked at by today's military men. Washington knew when the risk was worth the reward, he also knew how to prepare so that if one plan fails, he wad more to back it up. He knew that if he won the battle, power would swing into his favor and he planned so that there was multiple ways to win the battle. I think today's military is too focused on the main goal, rather than making sure it will work. Washington surveyed for a while to ensure the safety of his men, something I think today's military could do a little better.
Through their Eyes- I think one of the driving factors in Washington's idea to attack Trenton was that his troops were suffering not only physically, but mentally. I think Washington saw his troops needed a moral boost, so he went ahead and planned a large battle that would send a shock wave of energy and happiness throughout the Army.
Michael Lukasik
ReplyDeleteComment: (Answering Alexis's question)
I think Howe ignored the attack upon innocent people because he didn't think there would be much retaliation. Howe saw his troops as these Godly group of men who could get anything accomplished. I think he saw this mistreatment of citizens as a minor offence, not worth wasting time of his own or his troops.
Logan Zastrow
ReplyDeleteReading Thoughts:
Predictions- Its clear that at the beginning of the book the Rebels are being badly beaten by the British Army, however, once the book progressed and Washington was able to come out with a key win at Trent against the Hessian, I believe that Washington will continue to win battles and eventually crush the British.
Importance- The Rebels have a better reason to fight than the British do, and I think that will play to their advantage. They are fighting for their freedoms, their rights, and their namesake; they fight for the betterment of where they live and what they stand for. The British fight because their king tells them too. I think that will play a big factor in battles to come.
Thinking Like A Historian
Cause and Effect- One of the biggest mistakes made by the British was their inability to finish, so many times they had Washington defeated and they backed off, allowing him to escape. They could have finished him at the Battle of Brooklyn Hieghts, but they sat back and waited, only to realize that he had gotten away. Because the British didnt destroy him when they had the chance, it allowed Washington to rebuild his armies and later defeat them at the Battle at Trent.
Change and Continuity- Many things changed because of the outcome of the American Revolution. For the first time in the history of the world, a country rebelled and replaced its past government with a government that was run and governed by the people and for the people. This changed the way a lot of people looked at government, and helped established Democracy oriented governments. It essentially changed the way people wanted to be governed and were governed. The only thing that remained the same was the US relation with France, and allies like that are worth their weight in gold.
Logan Zastrow
ReplyDeleteComment- I agree with Jacob when he said that battle tactics changed dramatically after the war ended. Armies became smarter and chose to hide and fire at the enemeies instead of lining up in rows and firing at each other. They made it easier to save their own lives by doing so.