Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

No part of the country was more contested during the American Revolution than the Hudson River. In 1776, King George III sent the largest amphibious force ever assembled to seize Manhattan and use it as a base from which to push up the Hudson River Valley for a rendezvous at Albany with an impressive army driving down from Canada. George Washington and other patriot leaders shared the king's fixation with the Hudson. In fact, one of the few things that scholars have agreed upon is that the British strategy, though disastrously executed, should have been effective. Until now, no one has argued that this plan of action was lunacy from the start.

Revolution on the Hudson makes the bold new argument that Britain's attempt to cut off New England never would have worked, and ultimately cost the crown her colonies. It unpacks intricate military maneuvers, introduces the personalities presiding over each side's strategy, and reinterprets the vagaries of colonial politics to offer a thrilling response to one of our most vexing historical questions: How could a fledgling nation have defeated the most powerful war machine of the era?

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Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

No part of the country was more contested during the American Revolution than the Hudson River. In 1776, King George III sent the largest amphibious force ever assembled to seize Manhattan and use it as a base from which to push up the Hudson River Valley for a rendezvous at Albany with an impressive army driving down from Canada. George Washington and other patriot leaders shared the king's fixation with the Hudson. In fact, one of the few things that scholars have agreed upon is that the British strategy, though disastrously executed, should have been effective. Until now, no one has argued that this plan of action was lunacy from the start.

Revolution on the Hudson makes the bold new argument that Britain's attempt to cut off New England never would have worked, and ultimately cost the crown her colonies. It unpacks intricate military maneuvers, introduces the personalities presiding over each side's strategy, and reinterprets the vagaries of colonial politics to offer a thrilling response to one of our most vexing historical questions: How could a fledgling nation have defeated the most powerful war machine of the era?

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Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

by George C. Daughan

Narrated by Jonathan Yen

Unabridged — 13 hours, 53 minutes

Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

by George C. Daughan

Narrated by Jonathan Yen

Unabridged — 13 hours, 53 minutes

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Overview

No part of the country was more contested during the American Revolution than the Hudson River. In 1776, King George III sent the largest amphibious force ever assembled to seize Manhattan and use it as a base from which to push up the Hudson River Valley for a rendezvous at Albany with an impressive army driving down from Canada. George Washington and other patriot leaders shared the king's fixation with the Hudson. In fact, one of the few things that scholars have agreed upon is that the British strategy, though disastrously executed, should have been effective. Until now, no one has argued that this plan of action was lunacy from the start.

Revolution on the Hudson makes the bold new argument that Britain's attempt to cut off New England never would have worked, and ultimately cost the crown her colonies. It unpacks intricate military maneuvers, introduces the personalities presiding over each side's strategy, and reinterprets the vagaries of colonial politics to offer a thrilling response to one of our most vexing historical questions: How could a fledgling nation have defeated the most powerful war machine of the era?


Editorial Reviews

The New York Times Book Review - Paula Uruburu

…Daughan convincingly argues that George III's insistence on the Hudson's strategic importance actually changed the course of the war—in favor of the colonists…Daughan provides an exacting account of the personal and national cost of the rebellion on both sides…and he succeeds in lending an authentic voice to those pasteboard figures we learned about in history class, like John Adams and Benedict Arnold.

Booklist

"An enlightening combination of military and regional history."

Ian W. Toll

"Daughan’s narrative is by turns suspenseful, elegant, and moving."

National Book Review - Noah Benjamin-Pollack

"In this sharply drawn narrative, Daughan offers something truly valuable: a focus on the grand scale."

Booklist - Mark Levine

"[An] enlightening combination of military and regional history."

Evan Thomas

"In this fresh, vivid, and often surprising telling of the Revolutionary War, George Daughan explores the timeless theme of hubris and the critical role of geography in the making of American independence. A commanding, compelling performance by an inspired historian."

Wall Street Journal - William Anthony Hay

"[Daughan] deftly highlights how naval power shaped even war on land."

Wall Street Journal

"[Daughan] deftly highlights how naval power shaped even war on land."

Paula Uruburu

"[A]n exacting account of the personal and national cost of the rebellion on both sides."

Kirkus Reviews

★ 2016-03-14
A fresh view of Britain's attempt to quash an independence movement that didn't have to occur. The British defeat in America was as unnecessary as the war. The colonists never wanted to separate from England; they were willing to pay taxes and support the king. Leading from abroad demanded unrealistic goals and provided insufficient resources. Different strategy, improved leadership at home, and better field commanders would have made a world of difference. The king's fixation on gaining control of the corridor along the Hudson to Canada was an impossible task, illustrated by Gen. John Burgoyne's loss at Saratoga. Throughout the war, the English reliance on loyalist support was delusional; any who might have joined them were put off by English and Hessian atrocities. Daughan's (The Shining Sea: David Porter and the Epic Voyage of the U.S.S. Essex During the War of 1812, 2013, etc.) broad background in the naval history of the period and his inclusion of the English view comprises a portrait of a different revolution than the one taught in textbooks. The English leaders spent more time squabbling with each other than fighting battles. Too often, advantages were not pressed and defeats were snatched from the jaws of victory. Particularly absurd was the failure, without explanation, of Henry Clinton to press the attack on West Point after Benedict Arnold was exposed. It was scheduled within days, but he held back. George Washington had a similar amount of trouble, with subordinates undermining his authority and even, in the case of Gen. Charles Lee, ignoring orders. Throughout the war, Washington's troops were undersupplied, hungry, and unpaid, and he didn't even have a standing army until after the evacuation of New York. What Washington had was the ability to reinforce his army, something the British could not do. These stories are fascinating—egos run rampant, and myriad opportunities go by the wayside—and Daughan brings all his subjects to vivid life. A stimulating look at the American Revolution by a diligent historian and talented writer.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940170098286
Publisher: HighBridge Company
Publication date: 06/14/2016
Edition description: Unabridged
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