Who is Responsible for American Independence?

[Darrin Dickey]

Out of respect for @AlexTheHunn's recent comment that he feels John Adams, more than any other single person, is responsible for American independence and the fact that his discussion with me prompted the adding of our new forum... I pose the question to you. Who is responsible? Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, Dickenson, Paine, Revere, Monroe....? And why?

My answer? I would hesitantly say George Washington. Simply because I cannot think of another American military leader at the time - Arnold, Gates, Lee, etc. - who could have held the army together through thick and thin, effectively commanded a sizable military force, dealt with congress AND military politics and won battles (or at least survive them). And without a military victory - a political one would have been impossible.

Then again, I'm not exactly an expert on the period. :-)

[AlexTheHunn]

Darrin, you bring up an excellent point and you are, of course, correct in that American Independence would require military force as well as diplomatic/political strength. As a non-military historian, I was paying little attention to that aspect. It would certainly be a mistake to discount the victories in the field that backed up the bold stance taken by several patriots in less physical means.

[Darrin Dickey]

What? No one's arguing for Alexander Hamilton? I'm shocked. Shocked! :-)

[James Devine]

Well..., I would strongly put forward a vote for George Washington. I can hear the eyes rolling in their heads...But with due respect to John Adams (who was attending Harvard College@ the time), Washington was the 21 year old Virginia Militia representative @ Jumonville Glen, Fort Necessity

, making decisions on the front lines, that were used as propaganda by the French government, directly leading to the Seven Years or French & Indian War. He was also an NCO @ Braddock's defeat, in fact leading the defeated British forces back through PA and ordering the burial of General Braddock under the newly constructed trail back to Philadelphia and Williamsburg. This war depleted the British governments' coffers and lead to taxation...we all know what happened next! Now, if that was all he did, then no...Except that this 21 year old turns up again in Philadelphia as a refined politician (Va house of Burgesses) and experienced military man accepting the leadership of the Continental army, followed by the siege of Boston, Battle of New York, retreat across NJ, mastermind of Battle of Trenton, Savior of Battle of Monmouth

, held out through so many winters while dealing with the politicians in Philly, willing listener to Rochambeau for Yorktown, First President, First President re-elected, and the guy who willing went back to his farm (Ok plantation! but still...) impressing Napoleon along the way! Lets be real, it took every single person who acted during this time. Heck, if different people were in place as our adversaries, then maybe we don't prevail (both Generals and Politicians for GB). But if I had to pick one, just one then it would be George Washington!