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The Untold Story: German Mercenaries With The British In Canada During The American Revolution

Jese Leos
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Published in Soldiers For Sale: German Mercenaries With The British In Canada During The American Revolution (1776 83)
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The American Revolution is a well-known chapter in history, featuring notable figures such as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. However, there is a lesser-known aspect of the revolutionary war that played a crucial role in the conflict - the involvement of German mercenaries with the British forces in Canada. This article aims to shed light on this untold story, exploring the reasons behind their participation, their contributions, and their lasting impact on the American Revolution.

The Recruitment of German Mercenaries

As the American colonies rebelled against the British rule, the British military found itself in dire need of additional troops to combat the growing resistance. It was then that they turned to Germany, specifically the German states of Hesse-Cassel and Brunswick-Lunenburg. These states had a long-standing tradition of providing mercenaries to various European powers. The promise of lucrative wages and a chance for advancement enticed many young German men to join the British forces.

The recruitment process involved agents and recruiters operating in Germany to seek out able-bodied men who were willing to fight in the American colonies. Offers of cash, free passage, and promises of land were made to entice potential recruits. It is important to note that not all Germans who fought for the British were mercenaries by choice. Some were pressed into service against their will, forced to fight under threat of imprisonment or execution.

Soldiers for Sale: German Mercenaries with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776 83)
Soldiers for Sale: German "Mercenaries" with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776-83)
by Jean-Pierre Wilhelmy(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language : English
File size : 6665 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 296 pages

The German Mercenaries Arrive in Canada

The German mercenaries, known as Hessians due to the majority being from Hesse-Cassel, arrived in British North America by ship. They were initially stationed in various parts of Canada, particularly Nova Scotia and Quebec, to provide support to the British forces and defend against potential American invasions. The presence of these mercenaries was crucial in maintaining British control over Canada during the American Revolution.

One of the notable German commanders during this period was Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben, a former Prussian army officer. He played a significant role in training and reorganizing the British forces in Canada, especially after the fall of Montreal in 1775. Steuben's experience and expertise greatly improved the military capabilities of the British forces, turning them into a formidable adversary against the American revolutionaries.

The Role of German Mercenaries in Battles

The German mercenaries were involved in several significant battles during the American Revolution. One such battle was the Saratoga Campaign in 1777, where they fought alongside British forces against the American army led by General Horatio Gates. Despite their initial success in repelling American attacks, the German mercenaries eventually suffered heavy casualties and faced defeat at the hands of the American forces. This defeat marked a turning point in the war, leading to increased support for the American cause among European powers.

Another notable engagement involving German mercenaries was the Battle of Rhode Island in 1778, where they fought alongside British and loyalist troops against the American forces. Although the battle ended in a stalemate, the German mercenaries showed their strength and resilience, displaying their military prowess on the battlefield.

Legacy and Lasting Impact

The involvement of German mercenaries in the American Revolution had a lasting impact on the conflict and its aftermath. Their presence not only bolstered the British forces but also fueled the anti-British sentiment among the American colonists. The use of foreign mercenaries against colonial rebellions became a rallying cry for American independence and further united the colonists against the British crown.

Many German mercenaries, after the war's , chose to settle in the United States rather than return to their homeland. Their contributions to the American Revolution did not go unnoticed, and some even received pensions or land grants as a token of appreciation for their service.

The story of German mercenaries with the British in Canada during the American Revolution is a fascinating, yet often overlooked, aspect of the war. Their involvement, motivations, and contributions played a significant role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. While their presence fueled the revolutionary spirit among the American colonists, it also showcased their military prowess and tenacity on the battlefield. Understanding this untold story provides a more comprehensive perspective on the American Revolution and the forces at play during that crucial period of history.

Soldiers for Sale: German Mercenaries with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776 83)
Soldiers for Sale: German "Mercenaries" with the British in Canada during the American Revolution (1776-83)
by Jean-Pierre Wilhelmy(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language : English
File size : 6665 KB
Text-to-Speech : Enabled
Screen Reader : Supported
Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
Word Wise : Enabled
Print length : 296 pages

The British Army that fought the American Revolutionaries was in fact an Anglo-German army. The British Crown had doubts about the willingness of English soldiers to fight against other English-speaking people in North America. It also doubted the loyalty of the Canadiens who had only just been taken over after the conquest of New France. It thus turned to the princes of German States, who were also relatives of England’s ruling family, to obtain troops. To the Americans, these soldiers are known as The Hessians. In return for large amounts of money, German princes and barons provided about 30,000 soldiers, of whom some 10,000 were located in Canada for up to seven years and 2,400 chose to remain in Canada after the war. Many were dragged unwillingly from their families and sent to fight in a war in which they had no interest. Those who remained in Canada represented close to 5 percent of the male population at the time. They melted into the French and English-speaking societies, their names were Gallicized or Anglicized, but their history was unknown until this book appeared, even to their own descendants.

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