Ten Crucial Days: Washington's Vision for Victory Unfolds

While the American Revolution seemed on the verge of defeat on December 25, 1776, George Washington had assessed the weaknesses and strengths of his situation, and while steadfastly focusing on ultimate victory, reacted to the complex situation and developments over the next ten days to turn the psychological—if not the strictly military—situation completely around.

On December 25, 1776, the American Revolution seemed all but defeated just six months after the Declaration of Independence had...