America Goes to War

Brief Summary

America Goes to War by Charles Patrick Neimeyer offers a compelling and revisionist perspective on the composition of the American Revolutionary War soldier. Diverging from the widely accepted narrative that the war was won by a noble citizen army of patriots, Neimeyer brings to light the diverse and often underrepresented demographic that actually constituted the Continental Army. The book reveals how this army was primarily composed of African-Americans, Irish, Germans, Native Americans, laborers-for-hire, and transient white men. Neimeyer paints a picture of a military force driven less by ideology and more by personal circumstances and the exigencies of survival.

Main Themes and Topics

One of the central themes Neimeyer explores is the myth of the patriotic citizen-soldier. The author challenges the conventional understanding that the Revolution was predominantly fought by yeoman farmers and inspired artisans. Instead, Neimeyer presents detailed research that highlights the socioeconomic diversity and complex motives of those who served. This theme is intertwined with topics such as class disparity, racial diversity, and the pragmatic realities of war enlistment. His analysis sheds light on the pragmatic and often reluctant service of these soldiers, who sometimes resisted authority and deserted at high rates.

Neimeyer also delves into the class dynamics and the reluctance of the upper classes to participate actively in the war efforts. This topic is critical in understanding the societal structure and attitudes during the Revolutionary era. The book provides a vivid account of how different social strata viewed the conflict and contributed to the war in varying degrees and manners.

Writing Style and Tone

Charles Patrick Neimeyer adopts an academic yet approachable style in America Goes to War. The tone is investigative, aiming to unveil truths obscured by traditional narratives. Neimeyer’s writing is supported by rigorous research and analysis, making it both enlightening and authoritative. He navigates the intricacies of historical fact and popular myth with clarity and precision, appealing to both academic audiences and general readers interested in a deeper understanding of Revolutionary War history.

Criticism

While America Goes to War is insightful, some critics have noted the book’s heavy reliance on military records and statistical data, which occasionally overshadows individual soldier narratives. This approach, while effective in drawing broader conclusions about the army's composition, might not always provide the rich, personal context some readers may desire. Additionally, the book's focus on debunking the myth of the citizen-soldier might overshadow other important aspects of the Revolutionary War, leading to a somewhat narrow thematic scope.