History unvarnished: Scars of Independence: America's Violent Birth

[Dante]

Have any of the "Scholars" here read it, or even heard of it?


Scars of Independence: America's Violent Birth Hardcover Deckle Edge, May 9, 2017
by Holger Hoock (Author)



A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICE

A magisterial new work that rewrites the story of America's founding

The American Revolution is often portrayed as an orderly, restrained rebellion, with brave patriots defending their noble ideals against an oppressive empire. It s a stirring narrative, and one the founders did their best to encourage after the war. But as historian Holger Hoock shows in this deeply researched and elegantly written account of America s founding, the Revolution was not only a high-minded battle over principles, but also a profoundly violent civil war one that shaped the nation, and the British Empire, in ways we have only begun to understand.

In Scars of Independence, Hoock writes the violence back into the story of the Revolution. American Patriots persecuted and tortured Loyalists. British troops massacred enemy soldiers and raped colonial women. Prisoners were starved on disease-ridden ships and in subterranean cells. African-Americans fighting for or against independence suffered disproportionately, and Washington s army waged a genocidal campaign against the Iroquois. In vivid, authoritative prose, Hoock s new reckoning also examines the moral dilemmas posed by this all-pervasive violence, as the British found themselves torn between unlimited war and restraint toward fellow subjects, while the Patriots documented war crimes in an ingenious effort to unify the fledgling nation.

For two centuries we have whitewashed this history of the Revolution. Scars of Independence forces a more honest appraisal, revealing the inherent tensions between moral purpose and violent tendencies in America s past. In so doing, it offers a new origins story that is both relevant and necessary an important reminder that forging a nation is rarely bloodless.

 

[Concerned American]

For two centuries we have whitewashed this history of the Revolution. Scars of Independence forces a more honest appraisal, revealing the inherent tensions between moral purpose and violent tendencies in America s past. In so doing, it offers a new origins story that is both relevant and necessary an important reminder that forging a nation is rarely bloodless.

Speak for yourself Dainty. Some of are aware of the costs of war and hold no false beliefs about any war. War is hell. Regarding your question about reading this book, No, Have you read it?

 

[Manonthestreet]

Have any of the "Scholars" here read it, or even heard of it?


Scars of Independence: America's Violent Birth Hardcover Deckle Edge, May 9, 2017
by Holger Hoock (Author)



A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITOR'S CHOICE

A magisterial new work that rewrites the story of America's founding

The American Revolution is often portrayed as an orderly, restrained rebellion, with brave patriots defending their noble ideals against an oppressive empire. It s a stirring narrative, and one the founders did their best to encourage after the war. But as historian Holger Hoock shows in this deeply researched and elegantly written account of America s founding, the Revolution was not only a high-minded battle over principles, but also a profoundly violent civil war one that shaped the nation, and the British Empire, in ways we have only begun to understand.

In Scars of Independence, Hoock writes the violence back into the story of the Revolution. American Patriots persecuted and tortured Loyalists. British troops massacred enemy soldiers and raped colonial women. Prisoners were starved on disease-ridden ships and in subterranean cells. African-Americans fighting for or against independence suffered disproportionately, and Washington s army waged a genocidal campaign against the Iroquois. In vivid, authoritative prose, Hoock s new reckoning also examines the moral dilemmas posed by this all-pervasive violence, as the British found themselves torn between unlimited war and restraint toward fellow subjects, while the Patriots documented war crimes in an ingenious effort to unify the fledgling nation.

For two centuries we have whitewashed this history of the Revolution. Scars of Independence forces a more honest appraisal, revealing the inherent tensions between moral purpose and violent tendencies in America s past. In so doing, it offers a new origins story that is both relevant and necessary an important reminder that forging a nation is rarely bloodless.

Gee I didn't know such things happen in war

 

[whitehall]

If leftie anti-Americans hadn't fallen asleep during history 101 they would have been aware at least about the ordeal of the winter at Valley Forge and Washington's near miraculous escape from New York. Nobody but victims of the substandard federal education system ever thought the struggle for Independence was an "ordinary rebellion".

 

[Dante]

Gee I didn't know such things happen in war

How stupid can you be?

War?

It's about revolts, rebellion, people who are neighbors, friends, relatives.

 

[Dante]

If leftie anti-Americans hadn't fallen asleep during history 101 they would have been aware at least about the ordeal of the winter at Valley Forge and Washington's near miraculous escape from New York. Nobody but victims of the substandard federal education system ever thought the struggle for Independence was an "ordinary rebellion".

LO;

Good gawd, the myths!!!

D'Oh! Nothing miraculous here: Howe fucked up

The escape: Seeing his army was trapped, Washington ordered a secret, nighttime evacuation on August 29. Under cover of darkness and a heavy fog, the army ferried its 9,000 men and all their supplies across the East River to Manhattan. By morning, the entire army was gone without the British knowing, a tactical blunder by Howe that saved the Continental Army from capture

COUNTERING THE MYTHS OF VALLEY FORGE

Valley Forge, the 1778 winter encampment of Washington's Continental Army, is the stuff of legend and lore. Tales of brutal temperatures, bare footed soldiers and near starvation are what come to mind when recollecting middle school American History courses. Rick Herrera set out to understand...

warroom.armywarcollege.edu

You are still stuck in a Junior High School history class.


You may even want an AI search...

AI Overview

The main myth about Valley Forge is that the troops endured a brutal, snow-covered winter of freezing temperatures and starvation, when in reality, the winter was not exceptionally cold, and disease was the primary killer. Soldiers also built log cabins, trained, and procured supplies rather than passively suffering, challenging the image of them in rags leaving bloody footprints.

Myths vs. reality at Valley Forge
Myth: The winter was the coldest on record.

• Reality: The winter of 1777-1778 was not the coldest the army experienced. The average temperature in the first month was in the mid-30s, and the primary hardship came from frequent rain, not blizzards.

Myth: Soldiers wore rags and left bloody footprints in the snow.

• Reality: While the army faced shortages, especially of clothing, many soldiers had some level of uniform. Instead of being helpless, soldiers built log cabins, cooked meals, and even constructed fortifications, demonstrating resilience.
  

Myth: Starvation was the primary cause of death.

• Reality: Disease, not starvation, was the main killer. Typhus, typhoid, influenza, and dysentery were rampant, and approximately 2,000 soldiers died, with most deaths occurring in the warmer months of March through May as the conditions worsened disease spread.
  

Myth: The time was spent in idleness and despair.

• Reality: Valley Forge was a crucial period of retraining and professionalization for the Continental Army. Under Baron von Steuben, the troops underwent rigorous training, transforming them into a more disciplined fighting force.

Myth: George Washington was absent or only prayed.

• Reality: General Washington was present with his troops, working to train, supply, and lead them through the challenges. While some legends depict him praying, a more accurate image shows him actively managing the encampment and training the army.
  

 

[Dante]

Nobody but victims of the substandard federal education system ever thought the struggle for Independence was an "ordinary rebellion".

D'Oh! You brainwashed low-education voter

There is No "federal education system in the USA."

Education is primarily the responsibility of individual states and local communities.

Double D'Oh!

 

[Dante]

Speak for yourself Dainty. Some of are aware of the costs of war and hold no false beliefs about any war. War is hell. Regarding your question about reading this book, No, Have you read it?

On my "To buy next" list. But I am sure I know much of what's in it. My interest in the subject has occupied my time for a long time.

The ignorant and false beliefs in question are about the rebellion, not war itself. Why are so many here so slow on the uptake. Spend far too much time here I guess.

 

[whitehall]

D'Oh! You brainwashed low-education voter

There is No "federal education system in the USA."

Education is primarily the responsibility of individual states and local communities.

Double D'Oh!

It's all federal education hence the U.S. Department of Education....duh.

 

[whitehall]

LO;

Good gawd, the myths!!!

D'Oh! Nothing miraculous here: Howe fucked up

The escape: Seeing his army was trapped, Washington ordered a secret, nighttime evacuation on August 29. Under cover of darkness and a heavy fog, the army ferried its 9,000 men and all their supplies across the East River to Manhattan. By morning, the entire army was gone without the British knowing, a tactical blunder by Howe that saved the Continental Army from capture

COUNTERING THE MYTHS OF VALLEY FORGE

Valley Forge, the 1778 winter encampment of Washington's Continental Army, is the stuff of legend and lore. Tales of brutal temperatures, bare footed soldiers and near starvation are what come to mind when recollecting middle school American History courses. Rick Herrera set out to understand...

warroom.armywarcollege.edu

You are still stuck in a Junior High School history class.


You may even want an AI search...

AI Overview

The main myth about Valley Forge is that the troops endured a brutal, snow-covered winter of freezing temperatures and starvation, when in reality, the winter was not exceptionally cold, and disease was the primary killer. Soldiers also built log cabins, trained, and procured supplies rather than passively suffering, challenging the image of them in rags leaving bloody footprints.

Myths vs. reality at Valley Forge
Myth: The winter was the coldest on record.

• Reality: The winter of 1777-1778 was not the coldest the army experienced. The average temperature in the first month was in the mid-30s, and the primary hardship came from frequent rain, not blizzards.

Myth: Soldiers wore rags and left bloody footprints in the snow.

• Reality: While the army faced shortages, especially of clothing, many soldiers had some level of uniform. Instead of being helpless, soldiers built log cabins, cooked meals, and even constructed fortifications, demonstrating resilience.

Myth: Starvation was the primary cause of death.

• Reality: Disease, not starvation, was the main killer. Typhus, typhoid, influenza, and dysentery were rampant, and approximately 2,000 soldiers died, with most deaths occurring in the warmer months of March through May as the conditions worsened disease spread.

Myth: The time was spent in idleness and despair.

• Reality: Valley Forge was a crucial period of retraining and professionalization for the Continental Army. Under Baron von Steuben, the troops underwent rigorous training, transforming them into a more disciplined fighting force.

Myth: George Washington was absent or only prayed.

• Reality: General Washington was present with his troops, working to train, supply, and lead them through the challenges. While some legends depict him praying, a more accurate image shows him actively managing the encampment and training the army.

You make my case. It was no orderly restrained rebellion. Myths and reality merge into a struggle for American Independence and the future of the United States.

 

[Dante]

It's all federal education hence the U.S. Department of Education....duh.

The department of Education did not run education in states, counties, or cities and towns

you get dumber as the months go by

 

[Dante]

You make my case. It was no orderly restrained rebellion. Myths and reality merge into a struggle for American Independence and the future of the United States.

You are quite the simpleton

 

[there4eyeM]

Wars and revolutions are violent, ghastly things. Nothing should surprise us regarding the insanity that over wrought, armed young men might slip into. Anyone who finds this "news" was is suspiciously naive.

 

[whitehall]

You are quite the simpleton

Personal insults do not constitute an argument> It only makes ou look like a simpleton.

 

[Dante]

Personal insults do not constitute an argument> It only makes ou look like a simpleton.

Some things not only need repeating, some things demand repeating:

You are quite the simpleton

 

[Dante]

Wars and revolutions are violent, ghastly things. Nothing should surprise us regarding the insanity that over wrought, armed young men might slip into. Anyone who finds this "news" was is suspiciously naive.

like many others here you are not responding to what is actually in the OP


It's almost always amusing what dim bulbs so many of you are, especially when you imagine you are spouting wisodom

 

[dudmuck]

It's all federal education hence the U.S. Department of Education....duh.

which state has better education?