George Washington's War: The Forging of a Revolutionary Leader

By Bruce Chadwick

Book Overview

Based on 1,500 primary sources, Chadwick presents a fresh new biography of George Washington (1732-99), first president of the USA A gripping narrative that concentrates on Washington's spellbinding Revolutionary years Chadwick contends that George Washington became the great leader he was, not through the military campaigns of the American Revolution - there were nine major battles, and the Americans lost six of them - but through the winter months when he and his army were ensconced in Morristown, and later Valley Forge. Here he simultaneously created a military force, dealt with Congress and the emerging states, held the British at bay, and in effect, created a nation. He served the role of President of the United States during the four years of the Revolution before he was in fact elected to that office.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1402202229
• ISBN13: 9781402202223
• Release Date: April 2004
• Publisher: Sourcebooks
• Length: 569 Pages
• Weight: 2.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.8" x 6.3" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Absorbing reading

One of the better histories of Washington's role in the Revolutionary War. Convincingly argues that without Washington, we would very likely still be an English colony today. Absorbing read!

The Fight for America's Freedom and Democracy

Every kid in high school should be REQUIRED to read this book, Our founding father went through pure hell to fight for our country, establish democracy, freedom, and break from the British tyrants. The soldiers went through starvation. Eating the bark off trees, eating their dogs-anything to stay alive. Many times the Continential Army were at the breaking point, but the steady determination of George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and countless leaders were determine to have victory at any cost. I could not lay this book down. It is very well-written, and you feel drawn into the book as if you were a part of the action. The winter's at Valley Forge & Morristown were harsh, and the epidemic of small pox would have destroyed the army if not for General Washington's orders of quarantine. War is Hell, but the price of freedom is not cheap!

a different view of george washington

this not a typical washington versus the redcoats. the author has written a real life political drama. washington is a great political leader because he is able to save his army during the winters by utilizing his skills in having the civilians , farmers local politicos support the cause . the book is a real primer on leadership. that our current politicos should read and put in practice today.

A New Kind of War

George Washington lived for 67 years, but most of his life, most of the story of this book lie between the years of 1775 and 1781 when under his leadership the fledgling United States was at war with the most powerful nation in the world. During this war he developed a war fighting style that eventually won the war. (To be sure, he was not up against England's best who were somewhat occupied with a fellow named Napoleon.)Washington's technique was not unlike what later military leaders would use, pull back when faced with superior forces, attach where the enemy is weak and attack when an attack isn't expected. But Washington was doing this when it hadn't been done, this wasn't the way gentlemen armies of Europe fought a war.A particualr strength of this book is the emphasis on how Washington handled the troops. Without the underpaid, almost starving, ill clad soldiers he couldn't ahve won. And he kept them together.

The Real George Washington

This book blew my mind. George Washington was truly a born leader, and he demonstrated what were really entrepeneurial smarts all throughout the war, but especially in the winter! I also really appreciated the tidbits at the end about how he dealt with the same problems as modern day presidents...and there wasn't even a two party system until he was already in office!!!