This account of the last third of Britain's long war against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France begins in 1807; when all of continental Europe was under Napoleon's sway. It traces the course of the war through the Spanish uprising of 1808; the campaigns of Wellington and Moore in Portugal and Spain; to the crossing of the Pyrenees by the British army; the invasion of southern France; and the defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo. The overthrow of Napoleon was achieved not by a single general; a single army; or a single nation. Muir sets Britain's military operations on the Iberian Peninsula within the context of the wider European conflict; and examines how diplomatic; financial; military and political considerations combined to shape policy and priorities. The focus is on the politicians who controlled Britain's grand strategy as well as on the soldiers who led its armies in the field; while the book also examines the personalities of Canning and Castlereagh; Perceval and Lord Wellesley; Wellington and the Prince Regent. The book is based on investigation of primary and secondary sources; and on examination of the papers of the Duke of Wellington. It includes coverage of the financial background of Britain's campaign. Muir places the war; and the manner in which it was fought; in a wholly modern perspective; based not only on military might but on the effectiveness of the British economy and the coherence of the nation that sustained it.
#1411860 in Books 1979-07-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:GermanPDF # 1 #File Name: 0300021534467 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great insight into campaigns as well as happenings during the ...By David S DalrympleMuch talked and written about book. Great insight into campaigns as well as happenings during the revolution. Brought much to light about a favorite campaign of mine the forage wars in central NJ during 1777.9 of 9 people found the following review helpful. Diary of the American WarBy Stephen M. BarrettThis hard to find out of print book provides an excellent view of the American war for Independence from the viewpoint of an ally of the British army. Ewald was an officer leading a group of Hessian riflemen (sharpshooters). It was never intended to be published; but was meant as a history of Ewald's experiences during that war for his family.It is an intelligent and thoughtful review with many very interesting observations and anecdotes.His account of the siege of Charleston SC is especially detailed and provides a fascinating view of the British assault.I highly recommend the book. It's a shame it's no longer in print.20 of 20 people found the following review helpful. ProfessionalismBy Kevin F. KileyJohann Ewald was acknowledged by the British for whom and with whom he fought in the American Revolution as one of the best light infantry officers (termed outpost officers) in their service. A dedicated; trained professional from Hesse-Cassel; who was 'hired out' by his sovereign for the American War; he knew his job 'from muzzle to butt plate' and was an excellent leader of men; as well as a shrewd observer of what he saw. Fortunately for us; he also wrote all of it down.This book is one of the most valuable; if not the most valuable; memoirs of the period. The petite guerre (little war); also called partisan warfare; of the period is of great importance in understanding the picture of the whole for the War of the Revolution. The jagers that Ewald commanded were also some of the most deadly light infantry in the world at the time; and they were greatly feared by their American opponents. Armed with short German hunting rifles and dressed in green and brown; they not only blended in with their surroundings; but they served in almost every action and battle of the war.Ewald's direct; observant prose paints a vivid picture of the war; his British comrades; and his American opponents. He respected the Americans; especially their officers' attempt at becoming more professional as the war progressed; exemplified by the military books and treatises they read; which Ewald saw from time to time as he came across captured officers' baggage. he was amazed at the American attempts; which he noted were sadly lacking in his brother British officers. He noted this with care.Ewald ended up in the surrender at Yorktown and was eventually sent home to Germany. His dedicated service service not being recognized by promotion by his sovereign; he resigned from the Hessian service; entered the Danish service; and ended up a general serving Napoleon in 1813. An interesting career; a more than interesting individual; and a superb memoir.
