The Battle of Monmouth
By: Owen Larmon
Introduction
Does the Revolutionary War pop into your head when you hear the word Monmouth? Now not only was there a Battle of Monmouth, but there was a build-up and aftermath. Did you know that the British actually had 3,500 more men than the Patriots. Most of you probably think of men fighting (especially back then) but there were women as well and there is one in particular I want to talk about, Molly Pitcher. Hopefully after reading this article the Revolutionary War will pop into your head when you hear the word Monmouth.
Aftermath
No side really won.
The Battle
Washington stopping Lee's retreating army.
Molly Pitcher
Molly Pitcher manning the cannon after her husbands death.
Build-Up and Aftermath
The build-up and aftermath were just as important as the battle. About a year before Monmouth the Patriots won the battle of Saratoga. This got the French to help the Patriots, and that got Henry Clinton worried about his claim in NY. After the winter, Clinton decided to move his army to that NY claim. Washington decided that after the harsh winter in Valley Forge there was a great opportunity to raise morale, and so he attacked. Moving on to aftermath, on the patriot side 400 were killed, 40 wounded, and 22 captured. On the British side 289 were killed, 641 wounded, and 60 captured. Now that you know the beginning and ending lets get to the middle.
The Battle
Even though the British had more men, neither side really came out victorious. When the British came into sight Washington sent General Charles Lee with 5,000 to attack the rear, but he was careless and he caught the attention of the British. Clinton turned his men around and started to attack Lee and his men. As Lee began to flee Washington came to him and sent him to the back of the army, while Washington and the rest of the army were able to hold the British back. After a long day of fighting the British fled in the night to resume their journey to NY. The fact that the British had more men just goes to show that size doesn't matter.
Molly Pitcher
Molly Pitcher is best known for her heroics in the Battle of Monmouth. In 1754 she was born with the name Mary Ludwig. She later married her first husband, William Hays. Afterwards, Hays joined the army and Mary followed him to the battles. Yet, she didn't get her nickname until the Battle of Monmouth. She got it because she would carry pitchers of water to her husband and his comrades, even in the intense heat of the battle. Not only that but when her husband was killed she took up his place at the cannon. It's even said that while manning the cannon an enemy cannon ball flew right between her legs. Molly Pitcher really showed that women can do what men do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Battle of Monmouth was a very Important battle. Most people only know about the "Battle of Monmouth" but now you know that the build-up and aftermath were important aswell. The battle of Monmouth showed that size doesn't matter. Molly Pitcher helped to break boundaries for women. Finally, my battle showed that the patriots would do anything to protect their land and families.
Glossary
Morale - the feeling of enthusiasiam and loyalty a person or group has about a task or job.
Aftermath - the period of time after a bad and usually destructive event.
Victorious - having won a victory or having ended in a victory.
Intense - very great in degree: very strong
Online Sources
About.com
historynet.com
mountvernon.org
britishbattles.com
biography.com
Book Sources
The Ameican Revolution
Key Battles of the Ameican Revolution