What did you know about Washington and the time period before reading the book? What did you learn? Was there anything that surprised you?

What did you know about Washington and the time period before reading the book? What new information did you pick up? Was there anything that surprised you?

I knew Revolutionary War basics Valley Forge, Général Washington and of course Alexander Hamilton. The fact that surprised me was that New York City was held by the British for most of the war.

I have been a student of the Revolutionary War for independence my entire life. I’ve read biographies of Washington, Martha Washington, John Adams, Abigail Adams, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry. I’ve visited Williamsburg, Monticello, Montpellier, Boston, Mount Vernon,Salem, Jamestown, Historic Brattonsville, the Old North Church, the Custis- Lee House, Independence Hall, Yorktown, Lexington, Concord, the crossing of the Delaware River, and actually know historians that have curated Washington’s ephemera. Anyone who denigrates those who founded our nation because they disagree with the life and times should try to live without indoor plumbing, clean water, electricity, air conditioning, sewing machines, refrigeration, tractors, passable roads, ready made food, left/right footwear, insulation, cars, trains, telephones, Morse code, a reliable postal system…. Most of the individuals who signed the Declaration of Independence were better educated than those with PhDs today. They read the classics in Latin and Greek. They studied failed civilizations. And, the Bill of Rights was based upon the Virginia Constitution that was drafted by Jefferson. So, consider it may be inappropriate to judge from a 21st Century perspective. We live with the freedoms we have because of these brave renegades that risked death for treason.

Of course I knew about the Revolutionary War as a student (many years ago) but have read much more of Civil, WWI and WWII in recent years. The swayable nature of the Patriots and Loyalists in the early days surprised me -until I thought about it. The preponderance of spies and the “Battle of Alamance” were new to me. Tryon deserves his own book.

I learned the basics in grade school and like most that was my general knowledge of the man. I learned more about his character, drive, and commitment to the cause. I learned of the friction between the two political parties of the time, and was surprised to see how thin the thread was that held Washington's army together. The information about the terrible conditions, trials, and tribulations of the soldiers themselves was eye opening.

I was surprised by how little real military experience Washington had when he was appointed Commander in Chief.

The book did make me realize that I have not remembered much about what I had previously learned about this time in US history. And those people who said they were patriots on Jan 6, 2020 like those in 1776 don't know their history.

I spent many wonderful years teaching early American History so I enjoyed this very much and found it a fun refresher. I agree with vickys. It is beyond belief how those trying to overthrow our democracy, what so many have sacrificed so much for, are so ignorant, while having such overblown views of their own "patriotism".

Yes to vickys’ comments. My thoughts exactly.

I was completely surprised by several things: the large number of citizens who supported the Loyalists as well as the role of Governor Tryon and the Mayor of New York City, David Matthews. Though I was aware of the multiple physical challenges the troops faced, the details of the New York winter were a powerful reminder of the incredible bravery demonstrated by those who fought for our country.

I knew basically nothing about Washington as a person or a leader. I found it interesting he had no schooling but was up on manners and what was important to make a man respectful and well liked. I was impressed he was all about integrity, honesty and duty. How fortunate of him he married wealthy, which helped in being noticed by the right people of that time.

He seems to be smart enough when it comes to the issues of war. He was thrown in at great odds dealing with spies, inexperienced soldiers, weather, no money, no food, and having no navy. I am amazed we won!

I have read many accounts of wars that our country has fought, including books about Washington. I have a limited understanding of how a man of his education and background could influence so many people, in so many ways, for so much. His accomplishments are extraordinary. I have been to his home and the museum. I have seen his teeth, which, by the way, are not wooden. I have nothing but admiration for him and the founding fathers who were so thoughtful in drawing up our Constitution. To those who would like to nullify these men, I suggest they read about them first, understand their motives, the times they live in and their idealism before condemning them for the society they were born into. Especially since they tried to correct the evils of their time. Washington was among those great men.

I completely echo the reply given by VIVANH! History must be studied and addressed in the context of the time period it happened.

When I started to think about this question, I was surprised to realize I really haven't read that much about U.S. history in general and the Revolutionary War period in particular. WWII is probably the era I know the most about, and I've read a ton of books about the time, but I'm still finding out things about that conflict that I hadn't known before. So, I guess the whole book was a revelation to me. It's inspired me to learn more about the subject for sure.

I didn’t recall information I may have learned in school about this period in time. I have come away with such respect for Washington. I was unaware the extent of his role in gaining our freedom.
As our first President, I think I always had an inferred respect for him but now I back that up with knowledge man he was, the actions and risks he took to ensure our country was free.

I’d not thought about the need for cryptographers to break the code in Dr. Church’s letter and that the army did not have anyone among the troops who were skilled at breaking codes. That Washington had to hire civilians to do this seemed incredibly risky as I could not help but wonder whether any of the civilians were potential Loyalists.

I totally agree with Vickys. This book made me realize how much I've forgotten about our early history.

Other than what I've learned in school and from history reenactments I knew surprisingly little about Washington's life and his military experience (or lack of). It's rather amazing that schools don't focus more on Washington.

I realized I knew almost nothing about the man himself and not a lot more about the lives of the colonials, so I learned so much from this book. I was surprised how Washington became so prominent and especially the division of loyalties among the populace. I had forgotten that the war took eight years, and that the first three years were losses. It’s amazing to me that they fought that long in order to finally gain freedom from the British. I’m also surprised that I’m only now learning these important facts about our history!