The Military History Society of New South Wales Incorporated presents a talk by Mr Robert Muscat. He will be discussing The Saratoga Campaign of 1777, which for many historians represents a turning point in the war and will be offered as a case study illustrating British inadequacies and American tenacity.
“There are but two sorts of men in the world, freemen and slaves.” (John Adams 1775)
The British government entered into a war, fervently led by King George III, to punish its rebellious “child”, without a true understanding of American grievances or socio-political circumstances. The British were obsessed with reaping the rewards of the emerging-rich mercantile industry and regaining a tight grip on internal American politics.
Once a commitment to retaliate was made, British commanders, although competent and experienced in the art of war, did not have a systematic and coordinated strategy or the operational wherewithal to gain any supremacy over any American forces. Furthermore, apart from a few well-executed battles, British commanders were less inclined to cooperate and thus forge any significant headway into American interior lines. Consequently, the British were never able to deeply influence the hearts and minds of many local colonists.
When: Saturday 12 August 2017, 2:00-3:00pm
Where: Anzac Room, Level 2, 99 York St Conference and Function Centre, Sydney.
Cost: Free- RSVP is essential by Wednesday 9 August 2017 as numbers are restricted.
Contact: rsvp@militaryhistorynsw.com.au, 0418 671 582
Image: The Delaware Regiment at the Battle of Long Island, courtesy of The Military History Society of New South Wales Incorporated.