“Americans tended to think of war as something that had to be done from time to time, for a particular purpose or goal. They fought not for the sake of fighting but for the sake of winning.”
Quote by David Hackett Fischer
Work
Washington's Crossing
This work examines the pivotal military operation conducted on December 25–26, 1776, when Continental Army forces under George Washington crossed the ice-choked Delaware River to launch a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, New Jersey. The crossing is widely recognized as a critical turning point in the American Revolutionary War, occurring during a period of severe setbacks for American forces and low morale among troops and civilians. The operation required navigating treacherous winter conditions, including floating ice and harsh winds, to achieve tactical surprise against professional European soldiers. The subsequent Battle of Trenton resulted in a significant American victory with minimal casualties, demonstrating Washington's leadership capabilities and providing a much-needed boost to the revolutionary cause. The event has become deeply embedded in American national memory, frequently depicted in historical paintings and commemorated as a symbol of perseverance against overwhelming odds. more
Author
David Hackett Fischer
David Hackett Fischer is a renowned American historian, born on December 2, 1935. He earned a Ph.D. in History from Yale University and has dedicated his career to the study of early American history, particularly the colonial and revolutionary periods. more