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A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution Hardcover – December 3, 2019

by David Head (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 53 ratings
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The dramatic story of George Washington's first crisis of the fledgling republic.

In the war’s waning days, the American Revolution neared collapsed when Washington’s senior officers were rumored to be on the edge of mutiny.

After the British surrender at Yorktown, the American Revolution blazed on—and as peace was negotiated in Europe, grave problems surfaced at home. The government was broke and paid its debts with loans from France. Political rivalry among the states paralyzed Congress. The army’s officers, encamped near Newburgh, New York, and restless without an enemy to fight, brooded over a civilian population indifferent to their sacrifices.

The result was the so-called Newburgh Conspiracy, a mysterious event in which Continental Army officers, disgruntled by a lack of pay and pensions, may have collaborated with nationalist-minded politicians such as Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and Robert Morris to pressure Congress and the states to approve new taxes and strengthen the central government.

A Crisis of Peace tells the story of a pivotal episode of George Washington's leadership and reveals how the American Revolution really ended: with fiscal turmoil, out-of-control conspiracy thinking, and suspicions between soldiers and civilians so strong that peace almost failed to bring true independence.
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  1. Print length
    400 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Pegasus Books
  4. Publication date
    December 3, 2019
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1643130811
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1643130811
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

This accessible history illuminates an obscure but significant chapter in American history. ― Publishers Weekly

“Head provides an authoritative, well-researched account of George Washington’s role in resolving this near-crisis.” ― Library Journal

“Meticulous and balanced, A Crisis of Peace lays out the vitally important circumstances that led to a critical moment in our nation's history and Washington’s indispensable role in preserving the peace.” ― Shelf Awareness

“This work is written in a flowing and engaging style that is accessible and yet maintains rigorous standards for scholarship. Head writes with a sense of humor that is sure to bring some extra delight to readers. For anyone interested in the end of the war and the social, political, and economic factors of the time, this book is a must read.” ― Journal of the American Revolution

"Vividly written. Captures the perilous period when Washington’s fundamental decency meant more to the nation than more glorious qualities might have." -- David O. Stewart, bestselling author of The Summer of 1787

"A superb historian who writes in beautiful detail about the heat of political competition. With a rich cast of characters, this book delivers a keen chronicle of a much-vaunted ‘conspiracy.’" -- Andrew Burstein, Charles P. Manship Professor of History, Louisiana State University

"David Head tells the story masterfully with new details and expert drama, putting the crisis in both a contemporary context and showing its relevance for all ages." -- Douglas Bradburn, President and CEO, George Washington’s Mount Vernon

"A thoroughly original take on one of the most critical moments in history that would determine no less than the success or failure of the American Revolution." -- Craig Bruce Smith, author of American Honor: The Creation of the Nation’s Ideals during the Revolutionary Era

"A masterful job telling the story of how the American Revolution ended. Thoroughly researched and superbly written, keeping the reader engaged until the end. A must have book." -- Brian Mack, The Fort Plain Museum, Fort Plain, NY

"With an energetic pen and a are for a good phrase, David Head recounts in intimate detail one of the United States’ most perilous moments." -- Philip Levy, author of Where The Cherry Tree Grew: The Story of Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home

About the Author

David Head (editor) is an associate lecturer of history at the University of Central Florida and a distinguished faculty fellow in history at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He is the author of Privateers of the Americas: Spanish American Privateering from the United States in the Early Republic and A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution, which was a finalist for the 2020 George Washington Prize.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pegasus Books; First Edition (December 3, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1643130811
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1643130811
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 53 ratings

About the author

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David Head

David Head

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David Head teaches history at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Originally from Western New York, he received his B.A. in history from Niagara University and his Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo.

An expert in maritime history, pirates, and privateers as well as the American Revolution and the Founding Fathers, David has published four books, including two as author and two as editor. His work has been honored by Mystic Seaport Museum, the Society for Historians of the Early American Republic, and the Maryland Historical Society, and his research has been supported, most recently, by the National Endowment for the Humanities and by George Washington's Mount Vernon.

David lives in Orlando with his wife and three children and enjoys visits to Disney World. His superpower is grading papers while little girls climb on him.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
53 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Matthew Crawford
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
Even if you are not into the American Revolution era Head will prove that you should be. A fantastic read that is both informative and thoroughly enjoyable with quite a few surprising, laugh out loud moments.
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Rule 62 Ken
4.0 out of 5 stars Superbly Researched Account of a Little-Known Crisis
Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2020
Before the US Constitution was signed in 1787, the 13 colonies that had fought the American Revolution against the British had formed a confederation of states. They operated under the Articles of Confederation, a loose association that gave almost all the power to the states and very little to the central government. This presented a number of problems, perhaps the greatest of which was paying the bills to fight the Revolution. After the British were defeated at Yorktown in October 1781, the Revolution had ground to a halt as peace talks began between British and American diplomats took place. The American Continental Army was based at Newburgh, New York, from where they monitored British-occupied New York City. With the end of the war and dissolution of the Continental Army approaching, soldiers who had not been paid feared became anxious about whether the Confederation Congress would keep previous promises concerning back pay and pensions, and for good reason.

Professor David Head's 2019 book A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution tells the story of this often overlooked crisis, and how the future of the nation was threatened with the potential loss of the crucial element of civilian control of the army. The book details how a second American revolution almost occurred, this one by soldiers against their government. The author describes how the steady leadership of the army's Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington, averted a crisis in what was perhaps the greatest post-war challenge confronting the new nation.

In 1780 Congress had promised Continental officers a lifetime pension of half their pay when they were discharged. In Philadelphia, where Congress met, financier Robert Morris had stopped army pay in 1782 as a cost-saving measure, promising that when the war finally ended the arrears would be made up. Professor Head tells the story of how this issue was a prominent topic of debate in Congress and in the army camp at Newburgh, and how numerous memos and petitions from soldiers had failed to bring about any significant action to address soldiers' needs.

In late 1782, a number of officers under the leadership of General Henry Knox, drafted a memorandum to Congress. Backed by enough general officers that it could not be ignored, the letter was delivered to Congress by a delegation consisting of General Alexander McDougall and Colonels John Brooks and Matthias Ogden in late December 1782. The soldiers offered to accept a lump sum payment instead of the lifetime half pay pension. It also contained the vague threat that "any further experiments on [the army's] patience may have fatal effects."

The author tells the story of the Newburgh Conspiracy, a possible planned military coup instigated by members in the Congress and officers, who circulated an anonymous letter in the army camp at Newburgh, New York, on March 10, 1783. The letter suggested that they should take unspecified action against Congress to resolve the issue. He also describes the efforts of George Washington to head off any rebellion, and his famous emotional address to his officers calling for cooler heads to prevail. This was a time when what should have been a transition from war to peace turned into a tense situation that severely tested the bond that held the colonies together and demonstrated the need for the strong central government that Washington would come to advocate for.

This book is superbly researched. The author carefully delves into the correspondence of the major actors in the drama. These include Washington and his fellow soldiers Henry Know, Horatio Gates, Alexander McDougall, John Brooks, and the trouble-making John Armstrong and Walter Steward. The letters and motives of leading members of Congress are also scrutinized, including Robert Morris, Gouveneur Morris, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. Their frustrations and machinations in dealing with those states refusing to approve efforts to reward the soldiers and to finance the cost of the war by tariffs and taxation are palpable to the reader from the author's thoughtful descriptions.

Professor Head succeeds in bringing to life the story of a little-known but important piece of American history, at a time when the union of the newly independent nation was fragile. He educates the reader about the important contribution of those who held it together at this pivotal time in its history.
5 people found this helpful
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Brian Mack
5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book about GW and the Newburgh Conspiracy - a Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2020
In A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution, author David Head does a masterful job telling the story of how the American Revolution ended and a key event in American History that goes unnoticed. The final two years of the American Revolution were strenuous times for Congress, General George Washington, and the Continental Army and Head brings to light their struggles as peace was being achieved with England. Head details the key events leading up to the ultimate moment of General Washington’s confrontation with his officer: from those who were (and were not) involved in the “conspiracy” to conditions and morale of the Army giving rise to their grievances, to how General Washington’s leadership helped avoid a crisis of liberty. A Crisis of Peace is thoroughly researched and superbly written, keeping the reader engaged until the end. A must have book and highly recommended for all libraries!
One person found this helpful
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Richard M. Lim
5.0 out of 5 stars A fresh look at a historical event shrouded in mystery
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2020
Historians will forever debate the extent to which the Newburgh Conspiracy was a true conspiracy. Professor Head has made an invaluable contribution to scholarship on this mysterious incident, applying a more skeptical eye to claims that General Horatio Gates attempted to supplant George Washington as commander of the Continental Army or that those on his staff were coordinating closely with nationalists in the Confederation Congress. There is much we will likely never know about the events in Newburgh during the winter of 1782-83, but Professor Head makes the most of the evidence, providing the most comprehensive analysis of the major players, the context they lived in, and their potential motivations. The book is highly readable, brief, and thought provoking -- a must-read for anyone interested in the critical final years of the US War for Independence.
3 people found this helpful
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Craig S.
5.0 out of 5 stars George Washington’s indispensable crisis leadership
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2020
David Head’s A Crisis of Peace is a nuanced and gripping narrative from military, political, and financial perspectives, the book vividly illustrates tension between the military and civilian society at the close of the American Revolution. Head invites his readers to ask if the power of rumor, fear, and conspiracy theories can be just as potent as action. The tale that unfolds is one of mounting uncertainty, but that ultimately proves American officers’ devotion to independence and reaffirms George Washington’s indispensable leadership.
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Lindsay C.
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable to read, tells an important story
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2020
Accessible, well-written account. Tells the story of the Newburgh Conspiracy which is often dismissed or overlooked in other books on the Revolution. An important contribution and enjoyable to read!
One person found this helpful
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Peggy Best
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written and Researched
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2020
After hearing Professor Head speak, I purchased his book, read it, and marveled at what I had not learned about the American Revolution during history classes in high school and college. The book changed my perception of the start of our county and helped me understand better the era of our beginning. Excellent read.
One person found this helpful
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irishlrrp
5.0 out of 5 stars History Revealed
Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2021
The author is a superb historian. The book keeps you engaged to the end.
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Top reviews from other countries

Rule 62 Ken
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-researched account of a little-known crisis
Reviewed in Canada on February 11, 2020
Verified Purchase
Before the US Constitution was signed in 1787, the 13 colonies that had fought the American Revolution against the British had formed a confederation of states. They operated under the Articles of Confederation, a loose association that gave almost all the power to the states and very little to the central government. This presented a number of problems, perhaps the greatest of which was paying the bills to fight the Revolution. After the British were defeated at Yorktown in October 1781, the Revolution had ground to a halt as peace talks began between British and American diplomats took place. The American Continental Army was based at Newburgh, New York, from where they monitored British-occupied New York City. With the end of the war and dissolution of the Continental Army approaching, soldiers who had not been paid feared became anxious about whether the Confederation Congress would keep previous promises concerning back pay and pensions, and for good reason.

Professor David Head's 2019 book A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution tells the story of this often overlooked crisis, and how the future of the nation was threatened with the potential loss of the crucial element of civilian control of the army. The book details how a second American revolution almost occurred, this one by soldiers against their government. The author describes how the steady leadership of the army's Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington, averted a crisis in what was perhaps the greatest post-war challenge confronting the new nation.

In 1780 Congress had promised Continental officers a lifetime pension of half their pay when they were discharged. In Philadelphia, where Congress met, financier Robert Morris had stopped army pay in 1782 as a cost-saving measure, promising that when the war finally ended the arrears would be made up. Professor Head tells the story of how this issue was a prominent topic of debate in Congress and in the army camp at Newburgh, and how numerous memos and petitions from soldiers had failed to bring about any significant action to address soldiers' needs.

In late 1782, a number of officers under the leadership of General Henry Knox, drafted a memorandum to Congress. Backed by enough general officers that it could not be ignored, the letter was delivered to Congress by a delegation consisting of General Alexander McDougall and Colonels John Brooks and Matthias Ogden in late December 1782. The soldiers offered to accept a lump sum payment instead of the lifetime half pay pension. It also contained the vague threat that "any further experiments on [the army's] patience may have fatal effects."

The author tells the story of the Newburgh Conspiracy, a possible planned military coup instigated by members in the Congress and officers, who circulated an anonymous letter in the army camp at Newburgh, New York, on March 10, 1783. The letter suggested that they should take unspecified action against Congress to resolve the issue. He also describes the efforts of George Washington to head off any rebellion, and his famous emotional address to his officers calling for cooler heads to prevail. This was a time when what should have been a transition from war to peace turned into a tense situation that severely tested the bond that held the colonies together and demonstrated the need for the strong central government that Washington would come to advocate for.

This book is superbly researched. The author carefully delves into the correspondence of the major actors in the drama. These include Washington and his fellow soldiers Henry Know, Horatio Gates, Alexander McDougall, John Brooks, and the trouble-making John Armstrong and Walter Steward. The letters and motives of leading members of Congress are also scrutinized, including Robert Morris, Gouveneur Morris, Alexander Hamilton, and James Madison. Their frustrations and machinations in dealing with those states refusing to approve efforts to reward the soldiers and to finance the cost of the war by tariffs and taxation are palpable to the reader from the author's thoughtful descriptions.

Professor Head succeeds in bringing to life the story of a little-known but important piece of American history, at a time when the union of the newly independent nation was fragile. He educates the reader about the important contribution of those who held it together at this pivotal time in its history.
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