About the book
American political culture and military necessity were at odds during the War for American Independence, as demonstrated in this interpretation of Continental army administration. E. Wayne Carp shows that at every level of authority — congressional, state, and county — a localistic world-view, a deferential political order, and adherence to republican ideology impeded the task of supplying the army, even though independence demanded military strength.
Placing military history within the context of colonial and revolutionary historiography, Carp finds that the colonial American belief that authority and political power should be decentralized deeply influenced Congress’s approach to the task of supplying the army. Furthermore, most Congressmen had neither military experience nor any idea of how to administer an army, while local governments constantly thwarted the army’s efforts to obtain supplies — they blocked impressment and interfered with the movement of food and clothing.
Carp shows that political leaders eventually adjusted their ideals to the imperatives of winning the war. He offers a revisionist analysis of the origins of the Nationalist movement of 1780-83 that was begun by army officers and state legislators fearing the imminent failure of the Revolution. Lacking unity and blinded by republican ideology, the Nationalists did not markedly improve the administration of the army. Instead, it was largely through the efforts of Superintendent of Finance Robert Morris, the cooperation of the French, and sheer luck that the British were ultimately defeated. Carp concludes that the Americans won the Revolution “in spite of, rather than because of, their political beliefs.”
Editions of To Starve the Army at Pleasure
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807815878
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807842690
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469639444
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890865427
Read an Excerpt
American political culture and military necessity were at odds during the War for American Independence, as demonstrated in this interpretation of Continental army administration. E. Wayne Carp shows that at every level of authority — congressional, state, and county — a localistic world-view, a deferential political order, and adherence to republican ideology impeded the task of supplying the army, even though independence demanded military strength.
Placing military history within the context of colonial and revolutionary historiography, Carp finds that the colonial American belief that authority and political power should be decentralized deeply influenced Congress’s approach to the task of supplying the army. Furthermore, most Congressmen had neither military experience nor any idea of how to administer an army, while local governments constantly thwarted the army’s efforts to obtain supplies — they blocked impressment and interfered with the movement of food and clothing.
Carp shows that political leaders eventually adjusted their ideals to the imperatives of winning the war. He offers a revisionist analysis of the origins of the Nationalist movement of 1780-83 that was begun by army officers and state legislators fearing the imminent failure of the Revolution. Lacking unity and blinded by republican ideology, the Nationalists did not markedly improve the administration of the army. Instead, it was largely through the efforts of Superintendent of Finance Robert Morris, the cooperation of the French, and sheer luck that the British were ultimately defeated. Carp concludes that the Americans won the Revolution “in spite of, rather than because of, their political beliefs.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is To Starve the Army at Pleasure about?
American political culture and military necessity were at odds during the War for American Independence, as demonstrated in this interpretation of Continental army administration. E. Wayne Carp shows that at every level of authority — congressional, state, and county — a localistic world-view, a deferential political order, and adherence to republican ideology impeded the task of supplying the army, even though independence demanded military strength.
Placing military history within the context of colonial and revolutionary historiography, Carp finds that the colonial American belief that authority and political power should be decentralized deeply influenced Congress’s approach to the task of supplying the army. Furthermore, most Congressmen had neither military experience nor any idea of how to administer an army, while local governments constantly thwarted the army’s efforts to obtain supplies — they blocked impressment and interfered with the movement of food and clothing.
Carp shows that political leaders eventually adjusted their ideals to the imperatives of winning the war. He offers a revisionist analysis of the origins of the Nationalist movement of 1780-83 that was begun by army officers and state legislators fearing the imminent failure of the Revolution. Lacking unity and blinded by republican ideology, the Nationalists did not markedly improve the administration of the army. Instead, it was largely through the efforts of Superintendent of Finance Robert Morris, the cooperation of the French, and sheer luck that the British were ultimately defeated. Carp concludes that the Americans won the Revolution “in spite of, rather than because of, their political beliefs.”
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in To Starve the Army at Pleasure?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of To Starve the Army at Pleasure?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807815878
How long is To Starve the Army at Pleasure and how many pages does it have?
To Starve the Army at Pleasure has 321 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book To Starve the Army at Pleasure?
E. Wayne Carp
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
To Starve the Army at Pleasure is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807815878) and paperback(ISBN 9780807842690) and ebook(ISBN 9781469639444) and pdf(ISBN 9798890865427)
Where can I buy To Starve the Army at Pleasure online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy To Starve the Army at Pleasure?