The Fate of the Day

Rick Atkinson

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cover backgroundThe Fate of the Day

About this book

As the American Revolution hangs in the balance, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson delivers a breathtaking narrative of the war's pivotal middle years. The Fate of the Day plunges into the brutal struggle where George Washington's Continental Army, battered but unbroken, faces annihilation by the world's most formidable fighting force.

King George III remains resolute in crushing the rebellion, yet his grip weakens as the conflict bleeds his coffers dry and the threat of French and Spanish intervention looms large. From Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic gambits in Paris to Washington's desperate pleas for support, Atkinson masterfully portrays the agonizing choices and sacrifices demanded of a fledgling nation.

Witness the clash of empires in epic battles at Brandywine, Saratoga, Monmouth, and Charleston. Endure the winter of despair at Valley Forge. And confront the agonizing question: Can the ideals of freedom survive the crucible of war?

Timed for the 250th anniversary of the Revolution, The Fate of the Day is a deeply researched, spectacularly dramatic account that offers a fresh and vital perspective on the enduring cost—and ultimate triumph—of American democracy.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Unflinching Look at War's Realities

    The Brutal Reality of War: Atkinson vividly portrays the grim realities of the Revolutionary War, moving beyond romanticized notions to expose the suffering, deprivation, and moral compromises endured by soldiers and civilians. He emphasizes the war's impact on individuals, families, and communities, highlighting the psychological toll of constant conflict and the struggle for survival amidst scarcity and uncertainty. This unflinching depiction underscores the human cost of revolution and challenges readers to confront the difficult choices faced by those who lived through it.

  • The Crucible of Leadership

    Leadership and its Discontents: The book scrutinizes the leadership of both the American and British forces, revealing the strengths and weaknesses of key figures like George Washington, Horatio Gates, and the Howe brothers. Atkinson examines the strategic decisions, personal rivalries, and political machinations that shaped the course of the war, highlighting the importance of leadership in determining the outcome of battles and the overall success of the revolution. He illustrates how effective leadership could inspire troops and secure victories, while poor leadership led to disastrous defeats and undermined morale.

  • Battles That Defined a Nation

    The Significance of Key Battles: "The Fate of the Day" meticulously recounts pivotal battles such as Saratoga, Brandywine, and Monmouth, emphasizing their strategic importance and the impact they had on the war's trajectory. Atkinson analyzes the tactical decisions made by commanders, the performance of the troops, and the logistical challenges faced by both sides. By providing detailed accounts of these battles, he demonstrates how they influenced the balance of power and ultimately contributed to the American victory.

  • A Revolution on the World Stage

    The War as a World Conflict: Atkinson broadens the scope of the narrative to encompass the international dimensions of the American Revolution. He explores the involvement of France, Spain, and other European powers, highlighting their motivations and the impact of their support on the American cause. The book reveals how the Revolution became a global conflict, drawing in multiple nations and reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the late 18th century. This broader perspective underscores the interconnectedness of world events and the significance of international alliances in achieving independence.

  • Secrets and Spies of the Revolution

    The Role of Espionage and Intelligence: The book sheds light on the crucial role of espionage and intelligence gathering in the Revolutionary War. Atkinson details the activities of spies, informants, and secret networks, revealing how they provided valuable information that influenced military strategy and tactical decisions. He emphasizes the risks and challenges faced by those involved in espionage, as well as the significant impact their work had on the outcome of key battles and campaigns. This aspect of the narrative underscores the importance of covert operations in warfare and the crucial role they played in securing American independence.

  • A Nation Divided: The Civil War Within

    The American Revolution as a Civil War: Atkinson addresses the complex and often overlooked aspect of the American Revolution as a civil war, highlighting the divisions within American society and the loyalties that were torn apart by the conflict. He explores the experiences of Loyalists, Patriots, and those who remained neutral, revealing the social, economic, and political factors that influenced their choices. This perspective underscores the internal struggles and divisions that characterized the era and challenges the notion of a unified American identity during the Revolution.

Chapter Recap

Chapter 1. The March of Annihilation: Fort Ticonderoga, New York, July–August 1777The August heat bore down on the assembled British forces as they commenced their advance on Fort Ticonderoga. A vast amphibious operation unfolded on Lake Champlain, with over eight thousand troops embarking on a flotilla of warships, gunboats, and bateaux. The formidable Royal George, a three-mast
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About The Author

Rick Atkinson

Main Quotes

""What a beautiful, what a happy land this is! Without kings, without high priests, without idle barons. Here everyone is happy.""

""An army of principles can penetrate where an army of soldiers cannot.""

""The world is round so that friendship may encircle it.""

""I am now convinced that we have been ruined by kindness.""

""These are the times that try men's souls.""

""We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.""

""I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.""

""Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!""

""The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I Am An American!""

""There never was a good war or a bad peace.""

Who Should Read This Book

Readers of American history, particularly the Revolutionary War era

Fans of Rick Atkinson's previous works, including his other historical trilogies

Military history enthusiasts

Readers interested in well-researched and detailed historical narratives

Those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the period between 1777-1780 in the American Revolution

Readers who appreciate in-depth character studies of historical figures

Individuals interested in the political and social context of the American Revolution

Readers of narrative nonfiction

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