This week marks 240 years since General George Washington made two daring decisions that all but saved the American side's cause in the Revolutionary War. Washington had been humiliated in 1776, in a series of defeats while trying to defend New York. His closest advisor thought he was indecisive, a failure. His second in command was plotting to gain the lead role in the war. But instead of give in to infighting, Washington learned from his mistakes, and launched a surprise attack on Trenton during a ferocious winter storm. Then he led a second shocking victory at Princeton, even riding into the line of fire himself.
We discuss the drama of these events, their significance... and why Washington is deified as a perfect being, instead of being considered in his totality. Our guests:
- Dr. Michael Oberg, distinguished professor of history at SUNY Geneseo
- Dr. David MacGregor, professor of history and international studies at St. John Fisher College
