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- [00:00]
Narrator
You're in your apartment alone. Then you hear something. You think, was it just the storm? You realize you're not alone. Your living room is not safe with Unhinged, the new immersive game experience brought to you by Netflix. To make it out alive, you must answer the phone. The question is, when your phone rings, will you answer? Tap the banner to play Unhinged now only on Netflix. It's December 26, 1776. At 7:30am the village of Trenton, New Jersey is asleep. It's been a white Christmas. Outside, snow lies on the ground. Only stray cats walk the empty street. Inside a house in the center of the village, a middle aged man snores. Covered by warm layers of blankets. He's lost to the world. Perhaps he's dreaming of Christmas back home in Germany. The man is Colonel Johann Rau, commanding officer of 1400 Hessians, German soldiers fighting on behalf of the British Crown against the Continental Army. The last few months have been a tremendous success for the British and their German allies. Battle after battle, skirmish after skirmish, they have bested the Americans. George Washington's army is on its last legs. Now. Winter is here. Ral is garrisoned with his men in Trenton. Washington and several thousand American soldiers are camped just a few miles away. The Hessians have a fearsome reputation in battle. They're professional, too. Despite rumors, the Hessians have not spent Christmas drinking themselves stupid. But maybe they're a little complacent. Colonel Ral certainly has a very low opinion of the enemy. Over the last few days, he's ignored warnings that Washington is planning something. Not in this weather, he thinks. Not with the rabble the Americans call their army. Big mistake. Raw wakes with a violent start. A young officer shakes him by the shoulder. It's an emergency. Trenton is being attacked. Colonel Rall leaps from his bed, grabs his clothes and runs downstairs. Outside, he can barely believe his eyes. Trenton is a battlefield. Two thousand American soldiers are charging through the streets. They're kicking down doors, firing guns, taking hostages left, right and center. Rashes to a nearby stable. He mounts his horse and rides to a local orchard. There he organizes a group of soldiers and plans a counterattack. Rahl and his men swing into action. They charge towards the Americans, but within moments, Rahl is shot once, twice. He slumps in his saddle. All around him, Hessian soldiers are losing the fight. Only 22 are killed, but 900 are captured. Mortally wounded, Colonel Ra falls to the ground. The Continental army is not dead and buried. The United States of America has a future after all.
- [03:59]
Clark Peters
Foreign.
- [04:05]
Narrator
I'm Clark Peters and from the Noiser Podcast network, this is part five of Founding Fathers An American Dream. Our previous episode ended in the summer of 1776. On July 4th, the Continental Congress shook the world with the Declaration of Independence. Eight days later, Washington watched aghast, as two British warships terrorized New York City. Simultaneously. Admiral Richard Howe, the commander of the British Navy, arrived with reinforcements for a growing army based on Staten Island. Over the coming weeks, more soldiers arrive, 32,000 of them. By August, roughly a quarter are Hessians. This giant British army is led by Admiral Howe's brother, General William Howe. Between them, the siblings command an awesome military force. The Continental army looks doomed. Professor Andrew o' Shaughnessy and the British
- [05:29]
Historian
army was really very professional. Despite the commission system, despite the dominance of aristocrats, the officers, most of them had been in the army since their early teens. It was a sort of lifelong profession, and they took it seriously. The How Brothers, who the commanders at the beginning were regarded as the best military talent in Britain. Now they imagine just the very announcement of these names would petrify Americans. Lord George Germain was Secretary of State for the colonists in Britain. The strategy he wanted them to pursue was one big knockout in New York, and that nearly happens at what's known as the Battle of Brooklyn.
- [06:18]
Narrator
In the 18th century, New York City is confined to the southern tip of Manhattan Island. From his headquarters here, George Washington looks through his telescope. His view is the New York Bay. To the southwest is Staten island, where the British soldiers have amassed. To the southeast is Brooklyn on Long Island. Here, Washington has constructed considerable defenses, forts, trenches, guarded passes. There are defensive obstacles, too, such as fallen trees with sharpened branches. Manning These are around 9,000American soldiers. Washington has a total of 23,000 men at his disposal. Though many are novices from militias, most remain in Manhattan. He divides his troops in this way because he's unsure where the British will strike. If he makes the wrong call, it could be disastrous. Should the British take New York City, they could isolate New England from the rest of America. Washington knows the stakes. Dr. Kristen Blackstone I think he had
- [07:33]
Professor/Expert
a real understanding that by 1776, particularly after independence is declared, the Continental army is the face of and the defender of the revolution of independence. If the Continental army ceases to exist, then revolutionary hopes really diminish. He did also, as many officers in the Continental army did, truly believe in the Revolution. He didn't become commander in chief of the Continental army just because he wanted personal glory. And so there is kind of a personal weight of responsibility, but also a much larger ideological cause that he is fighting for.
- [08:14]
Narrator
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- [08:19]
Clark Peters
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- [08:28]
Narrator
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- [08:30]
Advertiser
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- [09:00]
Narrator
Washington awaits the enemy's next move. Meanwhile, the Howe brothers meet with a delegation from the Continental Congress. First, they make an offer of reconciliation. They pledge amnesty for the rebels if the colonies agree to put down their weapons. But their diplomacy is swiftly rebuffed. American independence has already been declared. There's no turning back now. So on August 22nd, the British armada swarms across the water. 20,000 soldiers land on Long island four days later. August 26th. They go on the attack. As night falls, British troops split into three groups. Two of them rush ahead, engaging the Americans first line of defense. A third, much larger group follows. Their mission is to exploit an American weakness. General Howe has learned a valuable secret.
- [10:09]
Professor/Expert
Howe hears from a loyalist in New York that Washington has essentially left a crossing a road clear that will allow the British army, if they can get there without Washington noticing, to outflank them, to come up from behind and surprise them. And this is exactly what happens. It's called the Jamaica Pass. And so, as Washington is fighting the British army on one front, a huge number thousands of British soldiers come up and outflank him.
- [10:37]
Narrator
It's a masterstroke. The bulk of Howe's army slips past the Americans. At 9:00am General Howe announces his presence. He orders a volley of gunfire at the American's rear. It's only now that Washington's commanders realize what has happened. Behind them are 10,000 British troops. Right now, George Washington is being rode from Manhattan to Long Island. When he arrives, Washington clambers up the American fortifications at Brooklyn Heights. From there, he sees the awful reality. His men are hemmed, routed by guns and bayonets. Inexperienced American soldiers are lost in panic. The bloodshed is horrific. Some soldiers will later say that Washington rode among them, urging them to fight on. But he's powerless to prevent the slaughter. A chaotic retreat ensues. Eventually, they reach the safety of American defenses in Brooklyn. The Continental army has suffered huge casualties. A thousand killed or wounded, another thousand taken prisoner. With Britain's vast numerical advantage, the American army is on the brink of annihilation. Washington waits for the next British surgeon, but nothing happens. Afternoon shifts to evening, then night descends. Still nothing. General Howe decides against pushing for a decisive victory. Why? Will be debated for centuries to come.
- [12:41]
Historian
The criticism. Howe is far too careful. Some would say that that was due to his experience at Bunker Hill. Well, he'd seen one of the largest, most deadly destruction of an officer corps and very high mortality rates and realized he couldn't afford to keep fighting battles like that. His brother, Richard Howe, was also very keen to negotiate with the Americans. So in the process of fighting, they were also attempting to negotiate. And some have argued that this held up their attempt. Certainly, 1776 was probably the best opportunity. And a knockout blow against the American army.
- [13:31]
Narrator
The next morning brings glowering skies and a strong northeasterly wind. Eventually, the dark clouds buckle. For the next 24 hours, rain hammers down. Conditions are appalling, a muddy quagmire for both British and American soldiers. The British objective is to sail up the East River. There, they can trap Washington in western Brooklyn. But to do that, the British must wait for the storm to end. Washington spots an opportunity. If he acts quickly, he can hurry his men across the river to Manhattan. Before the enemy can respond, the general sends out a secret message. All flat bottom boats are needed in Brooklyn immediately. That night, an audacious evacuation begins. Washington orders silence, or as close to it as an army on the move can manage. Men are forbidden from talking. Above a whisper, wagon wheels are covered in rags to dampen their noise. In drips and drabs, the Continental army makes its way to the shore. 9,000 men plus wagons, armaments and horses. Loading of the boats begins. Miraculously, the strong wind drops enough to assist the operation. The first cohort is ferried across safely. The boats then return to Long island for the next batch. Slow, painstaking, it takes all night. And now the sun starts to rise. Soon the British will see what's going on. At this very moment, a thick fog drifts in. Maybe it's divine intervention, or just George Washington's crazy good luck. Either way, the Americans have been gifted precious extra minutes. By the time the British figure out what's up, it's too late. Legend has it that George Washington is the last man to hop aboard a boat. Redcoats run towards him, firing their guns. Bullets whistle past his head as his vessel pushes out into the water. Back behind his defenses in Manhattan, Washington takes a breath. In early September, he writes members of Congress that he's learned a crucial lesson.
- [16:33]
Professor/Expert
Essentially, he has this very clear understanding that in a traditional pitched battle, the Continental army was not capable of. Of beating the British army. The British army was better trained. They were tactically superior. They had more resources, they had more soldiers. And so instead, he switched to something which he called a war of posts, which is a much more defensive strategy. It prioritizes forts and strongholds, places that he can defend. And a defensive war is a war that is easier to fight, and it also is a war that is easier to sell to the soldiers. If the soldiers believe they are defending something, that is a much stronger motivation than if they are constantly attacking something. He, more than most people, certainly more than soldiers, had an understanding that this was not going to be a quick war.
- [17:26]
Narrator
Days after Washington's daring escape, the British strike again. Five warships sail up the East River. They open fire cover for a swarm of bar barges that now deposit thousands of troops onto Manhattan. George Washington is five miles northwest in Harlem when he hears the cannons. He jumps on his horse and gallops to the landing site. As he rides, he sees countless militiamen running away. His legendary calm demeanor breaks. Washington thrashes wildly at the fleeing men with his riding crop. He shouts furious insults and hurls his hat to the ground. Overcome with rage, he doesn't notice an advancing line of British soldiers. Only the quick intervention of an aide brings him back to his senses. Just in time. He rides out of harm's way. Once again, the Americans have been outflanked. Once again, Britain has shown its superior resources. Washington's troops are forced out of New York City. Throughout the fall, they drop further and further back. The shining optimism of Independence Day grows duller with every mile.
- [19:03]
Professor/Expert
This is what happens to them for much of 1776. They engage in some sort of battle, they are forced to retreat. They engage in some sort of battle, they are forced to retreat. And it is a strategy that helps preserve the number of men in the Continental army. Right. Doesn't result in a lot of deaths. It allows him to keep numbers intact, but it is absolutely crippling to the morale of the Continental Army. July 1776. Independence has been declared. There should have been this huge uplift in spirit, and it is just not met with any real battlefield victory, which makes the goal of Independence look increasingly further and further away.
- [19:46]
Narrator
In November, things look bleak for George Washington. In desperation, he splits his army into four portions. Washington himself takes command of just 2,000 men, though he will soon gain reinforcements and new recruits. By far the largest division is given to Washington's second in command, General Charles Lee. Born in England, Lee used to serve in the British army. But he later moved to America and immediately sided with the revolutionaries. When war broke out, he hoped to take charge of the Continental Army. But as a newcomer, he was overlooked. Yet Lee is vital to Washington, and now the commander in chief hands him control of 7,000 soldiers. When Washington moves into New Jersey, he instructs Lee to stay in New York. But within days, calamity strikes. The British capture Fort Washington, an important fortification in Manhattan. More than two and a half thousand American soldiers are taken prisoner. It's a humiliating loss. Eyes turn to Washington. Doubts about his abilities are beginning to creep in. At the end of November, George Washington is handed a letter. It's addressed to one of his senior aides, who at this precise moment, is absent. Washington reads the seal. It's from General Lee. Several days ago, Washington wrote Lee asking for help in defending New Jersey. But he's yet to hear anything back and he's increasingly desperate. So he opens the letter, hoping for a word about the reinforcements. Washington's eyes scan the page. He can barely believe what's in front of him. General Lee, his second in command, is badmouthing him to one of his trusted aides. Lee disparages Washington's military acumen. He derides him as indecisive. In short, the commander in chief is not up to the job. Washington struggles to contain his fury. Perhaps worst of all, Lee's letter reveals he is ignoring Washington's request for help. He has no intention of sending reinforcements. Truly, this is a low moment for George Washington. The British are closing in. If they catch him, he'll be executed. But now he realizes it's not just the Redcoats he has to watch out for. The same day that Washington reads the letter, the Howe brothers release a proclamation. It's an offer of peace. Anyone who pledges loyalty to the British crown will be treated with clemency. Thousands of New Jersey locals accept the deal. They rush to British camps to take an oath of allegiance. It seems Washington is losing support everywhere.
- [23:24]
Professor/Expert
December 1776. The Continental army is in a dire state, and Washington is very aware of this one. They have faced consistent losses all of 1776, which means soldiers are done. Morale is incredibly low because all they've done is lose on battlefields and retreat. In addition to this, enlistments in the continental army in 1776 were only for a year. So soldiers who joined In January of 1776, their enlistments were up in December 1776. At the end of the year, they no longer had any obligation to remain in the army. And given how 1776 had gone, Washington had not received many re enlistments. He writes in a letter, the war is basically up. If we can't come up with something, this conflict is ending now.
- [24:16]
Narrator
The Continental army is teetering on collapse. If it goes, so does the revolution. Unless of course, help can be found perhaps from one of Britain's enemies. There's certainly no shortage of those. On December 21, a 70 year old man steps out of a carriage onto the streets of Paris. He's wealthy and well connected, but he doesn't look like it. He wears a simple brown suit, a soft flower fur cap, no powdered wig. It's Benjamin Franklin, the world's most famous American publisher, entrepreneur, philosopher, scientist and now revolutionary diplomat. Back in October, he set sail for France. His mission the most important of his life, to gain French support for America's war against Britain. The journey across the ocean had been rapid, a little over a month. But the lightweight frigate rocked up and down the whole time. The moment Franklin spotted France on the horizon, he demanded to be rowed the rest of the way in a small fishing boat. He ends up landing nowhere near Paris. Never mind, at least he's on solid ground again now. Three weeks later, he's finally here and he's playing his role beautifully. Professor Alan Taylor.
- [25:59]
Historian Alan Taylor
He's a very savvy guy. There's a certain intellectual circle in Paris which has come to celebrate the colonists as living clean, closer to nature, not having the kind of artificial, complex hierarchical structures of authority that have come to trouble people in intellectual circles in Europe. And so there's a kind of romanticization of the colonists. Now earlier in his life he, he was one for wearing fancy clothes and trying to show off when he was in London that he is a very prestigious genteel man. He gets to France and he figures out this kind of cult of the simple colonists who starts wearing simple clothes and plain colors. And he becomes wildly popular in Paris.
- [26:49]
Narrator
Franklin merchandise flies off the shelves. His face is put on snuff boxes, signet rings and medallions. Prints of his portrait sell in vast quantities. Fashionable ladies even wear wigs in imitation of his fur cap. King Louis xvi, however, isn't a big fan. He gifts one of his associates a Franklin themed chamber pot. Not that it matters much to Franklin's mission. The French would love nothing more than to see their old foe Great Britain defeated in America. In fact, they've been quietly giving money to the revolutionaries from the start of the war. But right now, there's no evidence that the Continental army is worthy of a full on French alliance. Unless America can register victories on the battlefield, the diplomatic efforts will go nowhere. For now, Franklin must keep on schmoozing and hope George Washington can pull off a miracle. Over In New Jersey, December 1776 is a month of misery. It's another punishing winter. American soldiers shiver. Washington sticks to his strategy of evasion. He keeps one step ahead of General Howe. Just about. He leads his men across the Delaware river into Pennsylvania. It puts a much needed buffer between them and the advancing British. Like hunters in pursuit of a fox, the redcoats don't rush. They have Washington's scent. He can't run forever.
- [28:43]
Noiser Podcast Announcer
This July on the Noiser podcast network, Founding An American dream continues. July 4th marks 250 years of the United States. Join Clark Peters for a deep dive into the country's origins. On Real Dictators, the story of Marshal Tito concludes as currents of global history converge on the Balkans. On real survival Stories, we're on board a light aircraft over Canada following a couple on the holiday of a lifetime and watching on as an avalanche consumes a gold mine. On Short History of we'll delve into the amazing stories of the Brinks Mat gold robbery and the space shuttle Challenger disaster. And in Sherlock Holmes short stories, Holmes sets out on a search for a missing pupil in the adventure of the Priory School. Get all of these shows and more early and ad free. On Noiserplus.
- [29:36]
Narrator
On December 8, General Howe leads 12,000 soldiers into the area of Trenton on the New Jersey side of the Delaware River. The Americans are in their sights. But on December 13, Howe orders his men to put down their weapons once again. When given the chance for a knockout, Howe pulls his punch. By tradition, the British army does not campaign through winter. General Howe withdrawal draws to New York. Before he goes, he instructs 1400 Hessian soldiers to garrison in Trenton. Howe is confident he can finish the job. When spring comes, it will prove to be a huge miscalculation.
- [30:26]
Professor/Expert
Throughout the war, the British army and the British generals consistently underestimate the whole American continent. I'm going to say they underestimate. They underestimate the officers, they underestimate the endurance and the conduct of the soldiers. And this results more Often than not in Washington being able to take those risks and be successful.
- [30:48]
Narrator
By this point, Washington has a glimmer of good news. General Lee has finally relented. Right now, 2000 of his men are slowly on their way to meet Washington. But then, on December 13, Lee is captured by the British. He's in a New Jersey tavern when it happens. Rumor has it he's here for an assignation with an unknown woman. When British soldiers hear where he is, they pounce. Of course, it's a huge blow for Washington, yet it solves a problem. His insubordinate second in command has been taken out of the game amid a sky of dark clouds. It's a small silver lining. Lee's men are now under the control of General John Sullivan, and among those men is David Howe, a 20 year old from rural Massachusetts. We last encountered David in episode three. He was fighting valiantly during the siege of Boston in 1775. Since then, he's continued to have a very eventful war. Jim Philbrick is one of David's descendants.
- [32:14]
Clark Peters
David Howe came down with smallpox the day before his regiment was sent from Boston to New York City. David got sick and had to go to the smallpox hospital, so the regiment left without him. He recovered, obviously, and within a month he went with a group of others from Boston to meet up with the regiment in New York. When Washington started heading across New Jersey, David was left with General Lee until the day he got captured. David mentions in his diary being part of the group that chased chased after them to try to get General Lee back, but they were unsuccessful. With General Lee's capture, General Sullivan took over that unit. Once Sullivan took over, the marching changed dramatically and all of a sudden they were right there with Washington. In a matter of days,
- [33:07]
Narrator
David's regiment is joined by some new militia units. Washington now has around 7,600 soldiers, although at least 20% are unfit to serve. And in most cases, their enlistment finishes at the end of the year. If Washington wants to turn the tide of the war, he has just a few days to do it. But he has a plan. Once again. It's built upon the element of surprise. The idea is to usher two, two and a half thousand men across the frozen Delaware river in the dead of night. Once on the other side, they will launch a sneak attack on the Hessians stationed in Trenton. It's supremely risky. Get this wrong and the wheezing Continental army could be wiped out. A date is set. This almighty roll of the dice will take place on Christmas Day. Young David Howe is One of those who is about to put everything on the line.
- [34:20]
Clark Peters
They weren't told where they were going or what they were doing just to get ready and we're gonna leave late in the afternoon. We know that they were all supposed to meet about a mile back from the river and then as darkness started to fall, they would start to crash crossing. I think most of the men that were involved in that crossing that got in those boats were committed. They had every chance to disappear for the month before this. And a lot of men did. A lot of men just wandered off, went home. David did not.
- [34:58]
Narrator
It's 11pm on December. December 25, 1776. Above the Delaware River, a bright moon pierces the clouds. Light shines on the water below. Chunks of ice flow quickly downstream. On the west side of the river, David Howe is trying to keep warm. He rubs his palms together. His teeth chatter. David's coat offers little protection from the cold. Still, he counts himself lucky. Five days ago he managed to get hold of a new pair of socks. Some of Washington's other men don't even have shoes. Blood from their frozen feet smears the snow. In front of him is a row of his brothers in arms. A nervous energy skittles down the line. Tonight's the night, the crossing of the Delaware. Making the 270 yard journey are 2,400 men, several dozen horses and 18 cannons. As sneakers. As sneak attacks go, it's pretty conspicuous. Then again, it's Christmas. If the Hessians live up to their hard living reputation, they'll be too drunk to know what's happening. A shower of sleet hammers down. Conditions could hardly be worse and the operation is well behind schedule. The crossing is meant to be completed by by midnight, but there's no chance of that now. The hour hand creeps ever closer to 12 and much of the force is still on the west side of the river. Finally, the line in front of David begins to move. Ahead of him, in the dark, he can make out the silhouettes of men clambering aboard a boat. Soon it's his turn. He steps on, unsure of his footing. The vessel is known as a Durham boat. Sturdy, shallow bottom, about 50ft long. It's crammed with three dozen soldiers, all standing upright. Gathering the necessary boats hasn't been easy. Over several days, Washington's men commandeered all manner of watercraft needed for a maneuver like no other. The boat cuts slowly through the water. As the wind picks up, it pitches and keels. David grabs the fellow in front to steady himself, falling in the water could be calamity kilometers. Many of the men can't swim. Eventually, the Durham boat makes it across. The men disembark. David stands on the other side of the river. And now he must wait some more.
- [38:20]
Clark Peters
It was miserable. It was cold, it was snowing and raining and windy. But these guys had waited for everybody for hours in the cold, in the snow, in the rain, and then marched eight miles with all these artillery pieces. The roads weren't paved as muddy. They also had to get through a few creeks. They had to get those artillery pieces through a creek to continue their march to Trenton. Rolling the dice for sure. They weren't sure what was going to happen. They might all die. But this thing that they were trying to do was important enough to them to risk hypothermia, to risk being captured. And they did it anyways.
- [39:04]
Narrator
The army splits in two. Washington, on horseback, leads one column. General Sullivan takes charge of the other. Washington's horse treads gingerly on the frozen mountain. Many soldiers slip and fall on the ice. By 8am the sun is up and Washington's division is on the outskirts of Trenton. He hopes General Sullivan has also arrived on the other side of the village. When the Hessians arrived a few weeks ago, lots of the locals fled. The Hessians now occupy their houses. But this morning there's no sign of them. The place is silent. Then the attack begins. American cannons open fire. Exhausted and soaked to the bone, 2,000American soldiers charge through Trenton's streets. David Howe is in the thick of the action in his matter of fact way. He records it in his diary.
- [40:20]
Clark Peters
He says, this morning we were attacked by a number of hushing and we took 1,000 of them besides, killed some. Then we marched back and got to the river at night and got over all the hushing. I find it interesting that he says that they were attacked by the Hessians. They were the one running into town with guns blazing. Washington could hear the cannon from the southern end of town, which means Sullivan had arrived just in time and had started his attack at the same time. Somehow this had all worked out. They were hours and hours late. And yet somehow everything went off right as it should.
- [41:03]
Narrator
The Hessians are caught off guard. Within 45 minutes, the whole thing is over. It's a stunning victory. Washington's grand gamble has paid off. But his soldiers are not unscathed. Among the Wounded is an 18 year old from Virginia. His name is James Monroe. Mercifully, his injuries are not fatal. Many years later, he will become the fifth President of the United States in so many ways. The crossing of the Delaware river is a turning point in American history.
- [41:45]
Historian Alan Taylor
This is a victory the patriarch cause desperately needs. And it has inspired leadership by George Washington. Yes, but it's driven by desperation. So there was some luck, there's some desperation, but there's also some real tactical genius in how Washington conducts this attack. And it's quite a change because he had not distinguished himself in the previous six months, he'd lost a lot of battles. This is a real turnaround for George Washington personally, and it's immense turnaround for the patriot cause.
- [42:19]
Narrator
The victory helps Washington persuade some of his men to renew their enlistments. But not David Howe. After punishing 20 months of heroic service, he heads for home. Soon Congress will step in to help Washington's recruitment drive. New laws declare that enlistments will last the duration of the war. Trenton is followed by a similar victory at Princeton. Thanks to that familiar Washington cunning.
- [42:55]
Professor/Expert
He tricks them, essentially. He leaves some soldiers, tells them to be quite loud. He sets fires. He leaves all the tents on the river. So two soldiers looking in from another army. There is the Continental army on the river, and he and the main body of the army march around the British forces into Princeton, and they fight a much smaller number of British soldiers there. It is a very important strategic and tactical decision. It gets him a town and two victories that the army desperately needed at this point. And it's something that he does all the time throughout the war. You would think that the British army would, if they see a particularly loud camp with fires one night, assume that George Washington had abandoned it and was trying to run away from it them. Because he does this frequently. I think every time he succeeds in one of these moments of subterfuge where he manages to escape the British or trick the British into thinking he's doing something he's not, it really kind of bolsters his confidence as a general and as a military tactician.
- [44:00]
Narrator
It's spring by the time news of Washington's Christmas miracle reaches Benjamin Franklin in Paris. Naturally, he's delighted. The dream of independence lives on. But it's not enough to persuade the French government that the United States is a horse worth backing, especially not now that British reinforcements are arriving. Among the new faces is General John Burgoyne. He plans to lead an army south from Canada to New York. En route, they'll aim to capture Fort Ticonderoga. Take that, insists Burgoyne, and you take control of New York permanently. Crucial to Burgoyne's plan are several hundred native American warriors. One of their Key leaders is Joseph Brant of the Mohawk people. We encountered him in episode four, sealing an alliance with Great Britain. To many native people, the Continental army poses an existential threat. If the colonists get independence, they will sweep into native territory. So Brandt intends to give everything on the battlefield. If he doesn't, his people could be doomed. For everyone. The stakes are high. This is exactly how General Burgoyne likes it. He's an ultra ambitious man and a big time gambler. He's certain the odds are stacked in his favor that his soldiers will outclass anything the Americans can offer. Only time will tell. George Washington stays with his men in New Jersey. It's left to others to block Burgoyne's Progress. For Washington, 1777 is a year of bobbing and weaving, constantly evading the British in large scale battles, hoping to wear down the enemy. But the General's problems remain. Too few men, nowhere near enough resources to survive. The Continental army has to rely on local people. But those relationships don't always run smoothly.
- [46:29]
Professor/Expert
The longer the war goes on, the more of a divergence you see between soldiers and civilians. You could expect the soldiers were going to confiscate your food, your livestock. They'd probably use your building as a shelter. Soldiers in the Continental army really believe they're doing this for the public good. And because of this, they expect pretty much at every turn to be met with gratitude, to be met with, oh, yes, absolutely, please take my cow. For the Continental Army. And when the civilians don't do that, unsurprisingly, it leads to a lot of resentment.
- [47:02]
Narrator
Another consideration are camp followers, mainly women. They travel with Washington's men almost as a shadow army. They are extra mouths to feed. Yet without them, the army could not function. Professor Carol Birkin, a woman, writes to
- [47:22]
Professor/Expert
her husband and she says, winter is coming. We have no food. Your children will starve. We have no firewood. Your children will free. Pray, come home. And many men got those letters. Washington, in order to avoid mass desertion, decided to allow the women to come when the army was encamped. Washington hated it, but he never sent them home because if they left, the men would leave. So he put them to work. The main thing they did is they became laundresses. I'm very fond of telling students that if it weren't for women, lice would have won the American Revolution.
- [48:20]
Narrator
By the summer of 1777, British threats are coming from all directions. Washington knows that General Burgoyne is surging through New York. And another question is haunting him. When will General Howe return for the next round. He doesn't have to wait for long for an answer. In late July, General Howe fills 228 ships with 12,000 men and sails south from New York. His aim is to deplete Washington's army, then grab Philadelphia. Ever since the Declaration of Independence, the city has been the de facto capital of the United States, the home of the Continental Congress. Washington can't allow Philadelphia to fall without a fight. He marches his men towards the enemy, but the British sweep them aside. With redcoats about to invade the Capitol, members of Congress flee. Philadelphia is there for the taking.
- [49:37]
Advertiser
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- [50:03]
Narrator
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Historian
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Narrator
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- [50:40]
Clark Peters
at
- [50:40]
Narrator
10:00am the sound of a military band drifts down the streets of Philadelphia. In recent weeks, the city has been racked with anxiety. For a great many Philadelphians, this is the day they've been dreading. Although that's not quite how it looks. In the center of town, large crowds are gathering, mainly women lining either side of the street. A 10 year old boy works himself toward the front. Unlike many others, he's not at all scared, just excited. The music grows louder, as does the thud of boots on stone. The unmistakable sound of an advancing army. Within moments, the boy catches sight of the approaching soldiers. Three battalions of grenadiers, two British, one Hessian. Cheering and applause ripple through the crowd. The boy joins in, thrilled at the spectacle. The Continental army soldiers he's seen are a pathetic sight. Unkempt in torn, mysterious, mismatched uniforms. These guys, well, there's something else. The British dazzle. In their smart red coats, the Hessians wear deep blue and sport thick mustaches. The boy is spellbound. Whether the adults around him feel the Same is far from certain. In the past, crowds in Philadelphia came out for Washington's men too. They whooped and cheered, just like today. Now, as the British march through the city to God Save the King, they've switched sides. Or so it seems. In truth, only a fool would declare themselves to independence on a day like today. The soldiers swagger into the distance. Behind them comes a long train of camp followers. A jumble of wagons, donkeys, horses, dogs and the women who look after them. Mainly Loyalist Americans who have attached themselves to British soldiers. The crowd breaks up. The grownups share anxious looks with each other as the army recedes into the distance. The 10 year old boy scampers after it. But really, he shouldn't rush. Over the coming months, he'll have plenty of time to see the occupiers in the flesh. The British have taken the capital, and they're here to stay. The capture of Philadelphia is a great moment for General Howe, but at what cost? It seems Burgoyne has been expecting Howe to join him in New York. From there they'll crush resistance in the north. But evidently there's been a miscommunication. Howe instead has concentrated on his own campaign. Burgoyne is left to finish his ambitious job alone. Now, there's a risk that the big New York plan could go sideways. But in the present moment, George Washington can only see what's in front of him. Another demoralizing loss. After some success, he's been knocked back again. Through fall into winter, his focus is avoiding a knockout blow. An awful feeling of deja vu sinks in. And he's not the only one feeling it. December marks a year since Benjamin Franklin arrived in France. In that time, he's achieved almost nothing other than boosting his own fame. At his residence just outside Paris, Franklin gazes out into the courtyard. He's staying on the estate of a fabulously wealthy French aristocrat. Every conceivable comfort is within his grasp, yet he's far from content. He's recently learned that Philadelphia, the city where he made his fortune, has fallen to the enemy. His house has been commandeered by a British officer. Worst of all, Franklin's son William remains loyal to the crown. Father and son are on opposing sides. They don't know it yet, but they will never reconcile. It's a gut wrenching family conflict that captures just how much the revolution has divided Americans. This afternoon, a messenger rides into the courtyard. Franklin, far from sprightly in his old age, makes his way downstairs. There he greets the messenger, who blurts out astounding news. 7,000 British soldiers have been defeated by the Americans in Saratoga, New York. Their commander, General Burgoyne, has surrendered. It seems Britain's worst case scenario has come to pass. Burgoyne found himself horribly isolated in difficult terrain. When Americans put up fierce resistance in the Hudson River Valley, Burgoyne and his men were stranded. He had no option but to wave the white flag. There to witness the British surrender was a familiar face, David Howe. He'd left the family farm once again, this time to volunteer in the fight against Burgoyne, a devotion to the cause equal to any of the famous Founding Fathers. Some blame defeat at Saratoga on extreme disorganization within the British army. Others say that ultimately General Burgoyne is to blame.
- [57:21]
Historian
In some ways, it represented his gambling mentality. He was not cautious. Like Howe. His great error was not to realize at one point he should turn back and that he was just walking into a trip trap. But I don't think he could bear the idea of turning back and being proved wrong.
- [57:42]
Narrator
The loss dumbfounds the British. Although Washington has their admiration, they've always considered his army to be a bit of a joke.
- [57:52]
Historian
Generally, the attitudes were very dismissive. It was almost impossible for them to conceive that America could create an effective army in a short time. Gradually, though, it was grudgingly conceded. John Burgoyne, after the Battle of Saratoga, essentially said his troops were as good as any. What is fascinating is the respect for George Washington and Britain from very early on, for the rest of the war. It was pointed out by a historian of newspapers that George Washington said, only person who's never criticized by the British press. They hate Congress and were very critical of Congress and they were very critical of their own government, but not of George Washington. When he died, the Royal Navy did a gun salute to him and of course, his statues in Trafalgar Square. They came really to respect him.
- [58:52]
Narrator
As the messenger relays the news, Franklin's heart soars. This is the gift he's been dreaming of for 12 months. Proof that the Continental army is worthy of an official alliance with France. And with French money, French ships and French soldiers, the British Empire's days in America are numbered. And in the next episode, the Revolutionary War reaches its epic climax. Weakened and reeling, the British try new tactics, attempting to turn American against American. A petrie patriot and war hero named Benedict Arnold is revealed as a traitor. And Thomas Jefferson is forced to flee his home. But soon a decisive battle begins. The famous siege of Yorktown. And it's here that a young scrappy Hungry American Soldier comes to the fore. Alexander Hamilton. That's Next time on Founding an American Dream. You can listen to the next two episodes of Founding Fathers right now without waiting and without ads by joining Noiser Plus. Click the banner at the top of the feed or or head to noizr.com subscriptions to find out more.
- [60:40]
Advertiser
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- [61:09]
Professor/Expert
style, every home hey, it's Ryan Reynolds
- [61:11]
Clark Peters
here for Mint Mobile now. I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made $15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal, so there
- [61:27]
Narrator
goes my big idea for the commercial.
- [61:28]
Clark Peters
Give it a try@mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment
- [61:32]
Advertiser
of $45 for three months, $90 for six months, or $180 for a 12 month plan required $15 per month equivalent taxes and fees Extra initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes me slow when network is busy. See terms.