On Constitutional Grounds : Tenth Amendment Center: The Struggle for American Independence: Disaster in New York

In this episode, I cover Britain’s first failed attempt at invading the South in Charleston, S.C., where Charles Lee and William Moultrie organized an impressive defense of the city, forcing the British to abandon their plans and sail northward. I also tackle Britain’s invasion of New York, which took place shortly after the states had declared their intention to separate from the British crown.

In many ways, Washington’s stand in Manhattan proved disastrous for the Continental Army. It narrowly escaped total capture and allowed Howe to take New York City. Finally, I cover Benedict Arnold’s foray into Canada, which failed to secure a patriot foothold in the region and expel British forces from North America. As 1776 proved, the Patriots were not off to a very good start in a war that would consume their energies for many more years.

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