New York 1776

The Continentals’ first battle

New York 1776 cover

Description

Osprey's examination of the COntinentals' first battle of the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). General Sir William Howe's NewYork campaign gave the British their best chance of destroying the Continental Army and George Washington's resistance to colonial power. Having initially assembled his forces on Staten Island, Howe succeeded in dividing the Continentals, defeated them on Long Island and forced Washington to retreat to Brooklyn Heights. Under siege there Washington successfully extricated his troops and crossed the East River to Manhattan but soon had to fall back on Harlem Heights.

After a few weeks Howe forced the Continentals north to White Plains and defeated them again. However, he allowed Washington to withdraw and preserve his army when more aggressive pursuit could have brought the campaign to a decisive conclusion and ended the war. Instead, with the British army rapidly weakening and facing huge manpower shortages, Washington emerged from a succession of defeats to produce what was ultimately a war-winning strategy. The author provides fascinating insights into a unique campaign in which a string of British victories ultimately led to failure and defeat.

Table of Contents

Origins of the campaign
Chronology
Opposing commanders
Opposing armies
Opposing plans
The battle of Long Island
The clearing of New York
The aftermath
Bibliography
The battlefield today

Index

Product details

Published Mar 18 2008
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781846032851
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 60 b/w; 26 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 192
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

David Smith

David Smith has studied in both the United States…

Illustrator

Graham Turner

Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, spec…

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