The War for America, 1775-1783 (Paperback)

~ (Author), John W. Shy (Introduction) "The task which the unfortunate Ministers faced was enough to daunt the most stout-hearted..." (more)
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Mackesy's War for America still stands as the classic account of the British conduct of the American Revolutionary War. Based on extensive research in British archives, it embodies the mature judgments of a masterful military historian."-John W. Shy (John W. Shy )

"An important book that no serious student of the War of Independence can afford to neglect."-American Historical Review (American Historical Review )

Product Description

The events of the American Revolution signified by Lexington, Bunker Hill, Valley Forge, Saratoga, and Yorktown are familiar to American readers. Far less familiar is the fact that, for the British, the American colonies were only one front in a world war. England was also pitted against France and Spain. Not always in command of the seas and threatened with invasion, England tried grimly for eight years to subdue its rebellious colonies; to hold Canada, the West Indies, India, and Gibraltar; and to divide its European enemies. In this vivid history Piers Mackesy views the American Revolution from the standpoint of the British government and the British military leaders as they attempted to execute an overseas war of great complexity. Their tactical response to the American Revolution is now comprehensible, seen as part of a grand imperial strategy.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 569 pages
• Publisher: Bison Books (February 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0803281927
• ISBN-13: 978-0803281929
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #82,084 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

56 of 56 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Am. Revolution as viewed by the British Government, August 12, 1997

By A Customer

This is one of the best non-introductory books available on the American Revolution. In addition to providing an excellent military history , the book clearly describes the issues faced by the British government in trying to deal with the revolution in the context of a world-wide empire. The military and logistic problems facing the British administration were truly formidable. While the book never demeans the American achievement, it clearly lays out the difficulties faced by the British in raising, maintaining, and supplying an army across 3,000+ miles of ocean in an era of sailing ships and limited government powers. It also shows how the European diplomatic environment, particularly the threat of war with France, limited the options available to the British. In addition to all of the above, the book is extremely well written, a pleasure to read.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The War for America: 1775-1783, February 9, 2008

By	Eric Williams (South-Eastern Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The War for America: 1775-1783 by Piers Mackesy. 1964. 565 pages.

This book presents the history of the war from a British point view. Given that it is from a British point of view it covers the war in its entirety from the causes and collision on the green in Lexington, MA to the final shots exchanged in India some eight years later.

The scope of this tome is at the strategic level. This will make it a bit of a surprise for most American readers who are used to the tactical and the operational when it comes this truly global conflict. Global in that the action takes place not just in North America, but also: The East Indies, The West Indies, Central America, The Caribbean, Gibraltar, Minorca, The English Channel, The Atlantic, Africa, and of course India.

In fact the percentage of text which actually covers the operations in North America which most Americans are familiar with is only about 25% of the book. Because it is a strategic overview there is much of the political wrangling which shaped the strategy and limited it as well. This means that readers more familiar with land operations are in for a whole lot of naval history in this book.

The highlights of this book besides its readability given the complexity of the topic are the focus on logistics. As any scholar of war in the American tradition knows logistics trump tactics. This book provides a keen insight into British abilities, failures and accomplishments when trying to fight a global campaign. Of note is the revelation that most British supplies from shovels, bullets, uniforms and even food for the operations in North America were shipped in from the home islands some 3,000 miles away. The logistical achievement of crown forces is a marvel given the limitations they faced when compared to modern abilities.

I must admit that my own familiarity with the naval actions, the island conflicts with Spain, the Dutch, and the French as well as the political shapings was very limited until I read this text. This did help me with my own focus (Campaigns of 1777 and conflict on the NW frontier) as it helped place the choices, plans, and actions into the complete context of British goals and aspirations. What clearly stands out is that the British lacked an agreed on coherent strategy for subduing the rebellion. This was a result of many in the government having no stomach for the conflict or sympathy for the ideals. The fluctuation between a land and a sea based strategy and between kindness and cruelty mixed in with the economic considerations seemed to be situations which the British largely worked out after the war was done in preparation for their struggle against Napoleon.

Mixed in with the conflicted aspirations was a disbelief that the Americans could actually win the conflict until the French joined in. There was among the British military and politicos a constant under appreciation of the American militia and Continentals which has it roots in the Seven Years War. This under appreciation contributed to their over valuation of the loyalists numbers, support and abilities. It is clear that the British did understand though how close the Americans were to total dissolution in 1780. Though even with that understanding they still really did not understand Washington or his army. Washington though not discussed at any length in this text seems to plague the British as they never really grasp this man and his role. This is natural considering that the British were far more concerned about the French and their abilities and intentions.

Though it must be admitted that many modern Americans simply fail also to grasp the centrality of Washington and the role that played and the role that he continues to play. As the song plays out:

"Yet think not thirst of glory unsheathes our vengeful swords To rend your bands asunder, or cast away your cords 'Tis heaven-born freedom fires us all, and strengthens each brave son, For him who humbly guides the plough to god-like Washington."


The text is accompanied by a good appendix listing troop strengths and locations for various years.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Info, May 6, 2007

By	Douglass G. Macpherson - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A good history of the British side of the American Revolution World War. Not an easy read, but full of good info. It answered some questions I had that I couldn't get from the usual sources.