Almost A Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence

Almost A Miracle examines the American War of Independence through a military lens, focusing on the strategies, battles, and command decisions that shaped the eight-year conflict. Ferling tracks the war's progression from the first shots at Lexington through multiple theaters of combat across the colonies. The book analyzes key military figures on both sides, including George Washington, British generals Howe and Cornwallis, and other commanders whose choices influenced the war's outcome. The text covers major engagements as well as lesser-known skirmishes and campaigns that proved crucial to the American cause. The narrative incorporates the broader context of politics, economics, and international relations that affected military operations. Ferling examines how factors like French intervention, colonial governance, and British parliamentary debates intersected with events on the battlefield. This comprehensive military history explores the precarious nature of the American victory and how a combination of leadership, circumstance, and perseverance transformed thirteen colonies into an independent nation. The work challenges assumptions about inevitability and highlights the contingent nature of revolutionary success.

Readers appreciate Ferling's detailed military analysis and his focus on the war's logistical challenges rather than just battles. Many note his balanced treatment of both American and British perspectives, and his attention to often-overlooked aspects like naval warfare and intelligence operations. Likes: - Clear explanations of military strategy - Coverage of economic and political factors - Strong biographical details of key figures - Maps and battle diagrams Dislikes: - Dense writing style can be difficult to follow - Some sections move slowly due to detailed descriptions - Limited coverage of diplomatic aspects - Few firsthand accounts from common soldiers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (823 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (201 ratings) Common reader comment: "Very thorough but requires concentration to read" Several military history enthusiasts praise the tactical analysis but note the book demands careful reading. Academic readers value the extensive source documentation, while casual readers sometimes find the level of detail overwhelming.

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🔷 Author John Ferling has written thirteen books about the American Revolution and America's Founding Fathers, earning him recognition as one of the nation's leading authorities on early American history. 🔷 The book's title comes from George Washington's own assessment that the American victory was "little short of a standing miracle." 🔷 Ferling challenges the common belief that British General William Howe was sympathetic to the American cause, arguing instead that Howe's cautious military strategy stemmed from his experiences in previous conflicts. 🔷 The book reveals that approximately 6,800 American soldiers died in combat during the Revolutionary War, while about 17,000 perished from disease in camps and prisons. 🔷 The narrative emphasizes the crucial role of the French alliance, showing that France provided the Americans with about 90% of their gunpowder in the first three years of the war.