Fall of 1776. Following the battles of H

Fall of 1776. Following the battles of Harlem Heights and Long Island, George Washington shifts his strategy. “The war should be defensive . . . we should, on all occasions, avoid a general action, nor put any thing to the risk, unless compelled by necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn,” Washington concludes. This is primarily a defensive war. His army is not strong enough to play offense. In the fall of 1776, defense and preservation are their best options for survival, and thus independence. Offense must be reserved for only the most extreme situations. #TBT Throwback Thursday revolution240.com http://ow.ly/i/eEQxn