Maass, John R. From Trenton to Yorktown. Turning Points of the Revolutionary War

For eight grueling years, American and British forces fought a bloody war for the independence of the colonies. Also embroiled in this conflict were Native American warriors, as well as the armies and navies of France, Spain, the Dutch Republic, and several German principalities. From icy Canada to tropical Florida and down to the Mississippi River, the Revolutionary War encompassed hundreds of campaigns, battles, and skirmishes on land and sea, in which soldiers and sailors fought and died for one cause, one crown, and one comrade. In this masterful yet accessible account of the American struggle for freedom, John R. Maass highlights the five pivotal events that secured independence for the 13 beleaguered but determined colonies. These include not only the obvious military victories such as Trenton, Princeton, and Yorktown, but also the leadership and reforms that enabled Washington's forces to survive the harsh conditions of the winter of 1778. Also included is King Louis XVI's decision to... France's provision of much-needed soldiers, weapons, money, and naval support to the Continental forces during the Saratoga Campaign is described as a key factor. These turning points, not all of which resulted in battlefield triumphs, represented a victory for the new United States. The book challenges conventional interpretations of what constitutes victory in warfare and offers a fresh perspective on the Revolutionary War.