In Revolutionary America: Washington's Army, Disease and Society, the author argues that smallpox played an integral role in military affairs for both the British and Continental armies, and impacted soldiers and civilians throughout the War for American Independence. Due to the Royal army's policy of troop inoculation and because many British soldiers were already immune to the variola virus, the American army was initially at a disadvantage. Most American colonists were highly susceptible to this dreaded disease, and its presence was greatly feared. General George Washington was keenly aware of this disadvantage and, despite his own doubts, embarked on a policy of inoculation to protect his troops. Use of this controversial, innovative, and effective medical procedure leveled the playing field within the armies. However, by 1777, however smallpox spread throughout America as soldiers interacted with civilian populations. Once military action moved south, American and British auxiliary troops and the enslaved Southern population all succumbed to the disease, creating a disorderly, dangerous situation as the war ends. Washington's implementation of isolation policies as well as mass troop inoculation removed the threat of epidemic smallpox and ultimately protected American soldiers and civilians from the dangers of this much feared disease.

About the Author

Ann M. Becker is associate professor history at SUNY Empire State College.

Reviews

An extremely important book not only for military historians but also for those concerned with the role of disease in history. - Dr. Jeremy Black

-- Jeremy Black

Ann M. Becker's new book, Revolutionary Smallpox: Washington's Army, Disease and Society, is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive account of the subject and the disease itself. The medical literature is well explained to enlighten those unfamiliar with it. While smallpox remains controversial, this new book is a valuable contribution to the history of the revolutionary era. -Philip Ranlet, Hunter College

-- Philip Ranlet

In this well-researched study, which skillfully incorporates both primary sources and statistical data, scholar Ann Becker turns a sharply focused lens on the pivotal impact of smallpox on military strategy during the American Revolutionary War. Although inoculating his troops was a slow and agonizing decision, General George Washington clearly understood the danger that the devastating disease, with its high rate of contagion and mortality, posed to his war effort, including to American prisoners of war. Becker ably demonstrate that Washington's inoculation orders against "this most dangerous enemy [smallpox]" served as a key strategical factor in the ultimate American victory. At the same time, she shows how the disease affected both the American and British armies at different junctures and locations in the war effort. Beck offers a finely detailed, yet readable account of an important aspect of the Revolutionary War that has previously received only cursory attention. Revolutionary Smallpox helps broaden our understanding of this pivotal event in American history. -Jeanne Abrams, University of Denver

-- Jeanne Abrams, University of Denver

Before the twentieth century soldiers were more likely to die of disease than in battle. As a general background factor, military historians have well understood that disease was capable of weakening armies. What is strikingly original about Ann Becker's book is an effort to explore the strategic implications of different experiences of disease in opposing armies. Not all diseases, and not all military efforts to control disease, are the same however. In her careful and nuanced study of the American revolution, Dr. Becker shows how varying efforts to control and manage smallpox could tip the balance between the contending forces and affect strategic outcomes. Dr. Becker's work will force military historians to reassess the role of disease in warfare.

-- Ian Roxborough, Stony Brook University

"Revolutionary Smallpox is readable and accessible, providing a focused and detailed account of the disease's impact on the American Revolution. I am more convinced than ever by the evidence provided here."

-- Elizabeth Fenn

Nearly three fourths of American soldiers who died in the War of Independence perished from disease. Smallpox was among the great killers of militiamen and soldiers in the Continental army, a disease so virulent that it threatened America's ability to wage war. Ann Becker's Revolutionary Smallpox tells this story in an engaging and illuminating manner, showing how America's civil and military leadership succeeded in controlling and largely overcoming the threat. This is a book that should be read by all who wish to understand the Revolutionary War and the American victory that secured independence.

John Ferling, author of Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781 (2021)

-- John Ferling, author of Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781



Book Information
ISBN 9781793630698
Author Ann M. Becker
Format Hardback
Page Count 280
Imprint Lexington Books
Publisher Lexington Books
Weight(grams) 572g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 159mm * 23mm