Brigham,

Bravo on today’s contemplation concerning the Revolutionary War! 

Specifically, I point to your observation that we didn’t win it; the British lost it.  A combined series of lucky events, the French, a lukewarm English Parliament, and some lousy British generalship created America; not the rag-tag militias that were fielded in (usually) losing efforts.

I have often remarked that we should have just as many statues built to honor “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne, as we do to Geo. Washington, et al;  Were it not for Burgoyne’s astonishing hesitancy to leave the comfort (and prostitutes) of the big city, he might have actually crushed the Continental Army in very short order.  But for him, we would very well still be a part of the British Commonwealth. 

To this I say to Gentleman Johnny:  “Huzzah!”

Bob

True, true, but that’s an aspect of war, too. It is far from just being about generalship in the field. All sorts of things come into play. Winston Churchill understood this well: “Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on that strange voyage can measure the tides end hurricanes he will encounter. The Statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events. Antiquated War Offices, weak, incompetent or arrogant Commanders, untrustworthy allies, hostile neutrals, malignant Fortune, ugly surprises, awful miscalculations all take their seat at the Council Board on the morrow of a declaration of war. Always remember, however sure you are that you can easily win, that there would not be a war if the other man did not think he also had a chance!" - Brigham