The Battle Of Monmouth June 28, 1778: Emerging Revolutionary War

The Battle of Monmouth, which took place on June 28, 1778, was a significant turning point in the Revolutionary War. It marked a crucial moment in American history as both sides struggled for control over New Jersey. This article explores the events leading up to the battle, the fierce confrontation itself, and its impact on the emerging Revolutionary War.

The Prelude to Monmouth

As the Revolutionary War raged on, General George Washington and his Continental Army faced numerous challenges. After a series of setbacks, Washington saw his opportunity to regain momentum as the British forces, led by Sir Henry Clinton, planned to evacuate Philadelphia and relocate to New York City. Washington devised a strategic plan to intercept the British forces and engage them before they could regroup.

A Handsome Flogging: The Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778 (Emerging Revolutionary War Series)

by Catherine Gilbert (Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
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The stage was set for the Battle of Monmouth as Washington's army and the British forces clashed on a scorching hot day in New Jersey.

The Battle Unfolds

The battle began early in the morning as Washington's army launched a surprise attack against the British rear guard. The initial skirmishes were intense and chaotic, with both sides engaged in fierce combat. The American soldiers fought valiantly, while the British, despite initial setbacks, managed to hold their ground.

As the sun rose higher in the sky, the heat became unbearable. Soldiers on both sides suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration. Despite the oppressive conditions, they persevered, driven by their desire for victory.

A Change in Command

During the battle, General Charles Lee, second in command of the Continental Army, made a series of questionable decisions that hindered the American advance. Washington, realizing the situation, took matters into his own hands. He confronted Lee, relieved him of his duties, and assumed command of the army. This shift in leadership injected renewed determination and direction into the American troops.

A Desperate Stand

As the battle raged on, both sides suffered heavy casualties. The British forces, faced with the relentless American assault, began to retreat. However, they organized a strong defensive position that halted the American advance. For hours, the two sides exchanged volleys, but neither gained a significant advantage.

It was during this stalemate that a thunderstorm rolled in, adding further chaos to an already brutal battlefield. The torrential rain and gusty winds made it difficult for soldiers to maintain their footing and handle their weapons. The storm had a greater impact on the British forces, who were ill-prepared for such weather, further disrupting their defense.

A Tenuous Victory

As day turned into night, the battle reached a stalemate. Due to the storm's interference and mounting casualties, both sides decided to disengage and withdraw. The Americans claimed a moral victory, having held their ground against the British professional soldiers.

While the British forces successfully withdrew, their plans of relocating to New York City were forever altered. The Battle of Monmouth had severely eroded their strength and diminished their confidence. The American forces gained a psychological advantage, bolstering their determination to continue the fight for independence.

The Legacy of Monmouth

The Battle of Monmouth proved to be a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War. It showcased the resilience and determination of the American troops, particularly under the leadership of General George Washington. The battle demonstrated that the Continental Army was capable of standing toe-to-toe with the British forces and holding their ground.

Moreover, the Battle of Monmouth highlighted the importance of strategy, decision-making, and adaptability in war. Washington's command shift during the heat of battle proved critical in turning the tide in favor of the American forces. It served as a lesson for future military leaders and became part of the military lore surrounding the Revolutionary War.

The Battle of Monmouth, fought on June 28, 1778, brought the Revolutionary War to a boiling point. It showcased the determination, courage, and adaptability of the American troops. This fierce confrontation, which unfolded in the sweltering heat and amidst a thunderstorm, marked a turning point in the war and inspired future generations to fight for freedom and independence. The Battle of Monmouth will forever be remembered as a crucial moment in the emerging Revolutionary War.

A Handsome Flogging: The Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778 (Emerging Revolutionary War Series)

by Catherine Gilbert (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18782 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	193 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Place yourself in the boots of the Continental Army and the British forces as they march towards a pivotal Revolutionary War battle.

June 1778 was a tumultuous month in the annals of American military history. Somehow, General George Washington and the Continental Army were able to survive a string of defeats around Philadelphia in 1777 and a desperate winter at Valley Forge. As winter turned to spring, and spring turned to summer, the army—newly trained by Baron von Steuben and in high spirits thanks to France’s intervention into the conflict—marched out of Valley Forge in pursuit of Henry Clinton’s British Army making its way across New Jersey for New York City.

What would happen next was not an easy decision for Washington to make. Should he attack the British column? And if so, how? “People expect something from us and our strength demands it,” Gen. Nathanael Greene pressed his chieftain. Against the advice of many of his subordinates, Washington ordered the army to aggressively pursue the British and not allow the enemy to escape to New York City without a fight.

On June 28, 1778, the vanguard of the Continental Army under Maj. Gen. Charles Lee engaged Clinton’s rearguard near the small village of Monmouth Court House. Lee’s over-cautiousness prevailed and the Americans were ordered to hasty retreat. Only the arrival of Washington and the main body of the army saved the Americans from disaster. By the end of the day, they held the field as the British continued their march to Sandy Hook and New York City.

In A Handsome Flogging: The Battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778, historian William Griffith retells the story of what many historians have dubbed the “battle that made the American army,” and takes you along the routes trekked by both armies on their marches toward destiny. Follow in the footsteps of heroes (and a heroine) who, on a hot summer day, met in desperate struggle in the woods and farm fields around Monmouth Court House.