Washington's Crossing

Until Washington crossed the Delaware, the triumph of the old order seemed inevitable. Thereafter, things would never be the same again.

Americans tended to think of war as something that had to be done from time to time, for a particular purpose or goal. They fought not for the sake of fighting but for the sake of winning.

It was typical of Washington’s style of leadership to present a promising proposal as someone else’s idea, rather than his own.

These are the times that try men’s souls,” Paine began. “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.

Thus the fate of entire Kingdoms often depends upon a few blockheads and irresolute men.”43