George Washington's opponents (előszó)
THIS BOOK is a collection of interpretive essays covering some of the most important generals and admirals who served on the British side during the American War of Independence. One purpose of the volume is to present the findings of recent scholarship. Few reliable biographies about such men were available before the 1940's. Since that time, however, two definitive studies have appeared – John R. Alden's account of General Thomas Gage and William B. Willcox's Bancroft Prize-winning work on General Henry Clinton. Piers Mackesy's book, The War for America, 1775–1783, moreover, devoted much attention to an analysis of the character and capabilities of numerous high-ranking officers. British cabinet members as well as commanders in the field have been subjected to closer scrutiny in the last few years. Recent writings on the leaders in London – Bradley D. Bargar's study of William Legge, Earl of Dartmouth, as American secretary; Gerald S. Brown's monograph on Lord George Germain as American secretary from 1775 to 1778; Alan Valentine's biographies of Lords North and Germain; and George Martelli's life of John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, as first lord of the Admiralty – have told us more about the war effort mounted by the mother country. Much of this latest scholarship on Britain's statesmen was revisionist in nature and has necessitated a re-evaluation of her military leaders.
A second aim of this book is to view the Revolutionary War in a broader perspective than has been done in the past. The authors have tried at times to remove military history from the narrow confines of battles and campaigns, and to discuss the war instead in terms of the complex problems of strategy, logistics, and civil-military relations facing the British. In this same vein, the writers have often explored the degree to which military decisions for the North American theater of operations were dictated by political considerations.
This book, conceived as a companion volume to George Washington's Generals, admittedly has certain inherent limitations in its organization. Because of restrictions of space, only a few of the major British generals and admirals are discussed; the editor alone bears the responsibility for the selection. The essays, moreover, concentrate solely upon an officer's military career during the Revolutionary War in the American theater of operations. Thus, Admiral Howe's triumphs in European waters in 1782 and the careers of General Cornwallis and Admiral Hood in subsequent wars are not dealt with. Also, primary attention is focused upon naval affairs in the North Atlantic; very little has been said about important campaigns in Caribbean waters. Finally, there is some unavoidable repetition in these essays because many of the generals and admirals under discussion participated in the same military operation.
The contributors to this volume are all scholars who have written previously in the area of military history. Although they may disagree in many of their judgments, as editor I have let their conclusions stand unchanged in the best interests of scholarship.
I should like to express my thanks to many individuals who gave me a helping hand. To my contributors, I am obligated for their part in this book. My major thanks in this regard must be reserved for Professor William B. Willcox of the University of Michigan, who not only contributed two selections but kindly consented to review and comment on the other essays. To my fellow historians – Dean Milton M. Klein of the State University of New York at Fredonia, Dr. Clifford K. Shipton, former Director of the American Antiquarian Society, and Professor Gerald N. Grob of Clark University – I am indebted for reading parts of the manuscript. To my graduate students – Lawrence Kazura and Mrs. Barbara Rosenkrantz – I am grateful for certain insights into the character of General Burgoyne. And to my wife, Joyce Baldwin Billias, I am beholden once again; she helped me on this book, provided inspiration during the task, and, as always, contributed to my happiness.
The book is dedicated to an old friend, Herbert J. Bass, whose personal and professional qualities I have admired for many years.
G.A.B.
|
|
|
|
| KATALÓGUS | TARTALOM |
