General Washington and the Calculus of Victory: The Command Decisions and Other Factors That Won America’s War for Independence
About this ebook
The narrative focuses on decisions whose outcomes were uncertain at the time: the nighttime evacuation from Brooklyn Heights; the risky winter campaigns at Trenton and Princeton; the controversial choice to inoculate the army against smallpox; and Washington’s willingness to avoid battle when engagement threatened catastrophe. It also explores his talent for delegation, highlighted by appointments such as Nathanael Greene in the South and Baron von Steuben as inspector general, as well as his strategic use of elite forces like Daniel Morgan’s riflemen. Placing these decisions within a broader framework, the book evaluates why the rebellion succeeded—or why Britain failed. It weighs Washington’s leadership against structural factors that shaped the war’s outcome: British logistical and administrative weaknesses, the challenges of distance and terrain, growing American military competence, civilian resistance, and the decisive impact of foreign intervention.
Discover more
About the author
David Price has authored five previous books about America’s War of Independence, including a trilogy about the winter 1776/77 “Ten Crucial Days” campaign. His last book, Winning the Ten Crucial Days, was named an Honorable Mention for the Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award and a Finalist for the Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Award. The other volumes in the trilogy are The Road to Assunpink Creek and Rescuing the Revolution. In addition, he has authored John Haslet’s World and The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776. The latter is part of the Westholme Small Battle series and was accepted into the permanent collection of the Connecticut Museum of Culture and History. David is a recipient of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizenship Medal, as well as its Certificate of Appreciation, in recognition of his work as an author, speaker, and historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania and Princeton Battlefield State Park in New Jersey. He holds degrees in political science from Drew University and Rutgers University, and lives in Lawrence Township, NJ. More information about David and his work can be found at dpauthor.com.
