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Washington's Crossing
David Hackett Fischer Book Review

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Plot Summary of Washington's Crossing
"

Oxford University Press, Feb 2004, 30.00, 384 pp.
ISBN: 0195170342

Renowned historian David Hackett Fischer provides a terrific look at the famous General Washington as he led the crossing of the iced Delaware River during Christmas 1776. On the surface, it would have appeared lunacy to cross to the other side to face an alleged much superior force of professional enemy soldiers. However, Professor Hackett points out that the overwhelming odds were in reality not quite so insurmountable. During much of the year, the American rag tag army developed a new form of fighting suited to the land and much more flexible than the rigidity of the British troops and their Hessian mercenaries. Some myths that Professor Fischer debunks include the Hessians were not drunk, but bone weary from constant assault from guerillas and the weapon differential between the two forces was not even close to the legends. Finally the road to Trenton was filled with people not involved in the upcoming skirmish, but going about their everyday lives.

This is a great account that gives each side its proper due and criticism, but mostly praises Washington who saw the opportunity, had the means, and understood the strategic importance of a victory at Trenton. The battle is fully described so that armchair five star generals can understand what really happened and even reenact it. American History buffs will appreciate this powerful, vivid look at a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War, but even mythos believers like this reviewer can now discuss the significance of what really occurred at Trenton.

Harriet Klausner

"
Harriet Klausner, Resident Scholar



Review Analysis of Washington's Crossing
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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Kind Of History
Time of history: - 18th century
History of military? Yes
Nationality? - American--General
Specific war? - Revolutionary War (US)

Subjects of this Historical Account
Is the portrayal sympathetic? - Sympathetic
From a certain profession/group? - simple laborers
Intelligence of subject of history: - Smart

Main Adversary
From a certain profession/group? - infantry soldiers
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
Is the portrayal sympathetic? - Somewhat Sympathetic

Setting
United States Yes
The US: - Northeast

Style
How fast-paced is the book? - 3 ()
Accounts of torture and death? - moderately detailed references to deaths
Book makes you feel... - thoughtful
Pictures/Illustrations? - A handful
Maps necessary? - Necessary maps provided
Length of book - 350-400 pages
How much emphasis on small details? - 5 ()
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