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This weekend the "rockets red glare" for most of us will be the fireworks celebrations. We hope for perfect weather every year for Independence Day, but in 1776, it was imperfect weather and George Washington's ability to adapt that made all the difference.
When we study the American Revolution, we learn a lot about muskets, tri-corner hats and battle strategy, but we should also spend some time learning about fog banks, Nor’easters, and muddy roads because, as it turns out, weather played a quiet yet powerful role in shaping the fight for independence.
Weather and the Revolutionary War
Timeline:
August 1776 - The foggy escape at Brooklyn
The British had just had a successful attack on Long Island and George Washington’s army found itself trapped at Brooklyn Heights. They had their backs to the river, and the British Navy was moving in to finish the job. That is when Mother Nature decided she had other plans.
A well-timed nor’easter rolled in and kept the British ships out of the East River. That gave Washington just enough time to get his 9,000 men into Manhattan. Then a thick morning fog rolled in just as the final troops were escaping, giving them cover until the very last boat pushed off. Minutes later, British troops moved in only to find empty lines.
December 1776 - The Storm Before Trenton
Washington’s surprise attack in Trenton is as legendary as it was nearly suicidal. His troops crossed the icy Delaware River in the middle of a nor’easter on Christmas night. Wind, sleet, and snow hammered the soldiers, but it also cloaked them and gave them cover from enemy detection.
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The enemy guards were hunkered down during the storm and left their positions exposed. The Americans took them by surprise and won the battle. Days later, more bad weather helped Washington maneuver his troops again and paved the way toward victory in Princeton.
October 1777 - Fog Fumbles at Germantown
Of course, not every storm worked out in our advantage. At Germantown, a heavy morning fog and smoke from the battle made it nearly impossible to tell friend from foe and the confusion led to friendly fire, disrupting the American assault and allowing the British to counterattack and win the day.
Key takeaways
What we know:
Weather wasn’t just a backdrop to the war, it was a game-changer.
Fog, wind, snow, and mud played major roles in the outcomes of key battles.
Washington’s ability to adapt to weather gave him a strategic edge over British forces.
Why it still matters today
Dig deeper:
Military Planning: Weather forecasting has become a core part of military strategy as storms can still ground planes, sink boats and stall invasions. There are over 4,000 meteorologists, atmospheric scientists and weather observers in today's United States Military.
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Resilience & Adaptation: Washington’s quick thinking and willingness to adapt to the elements is a timeless leadership trait for any crisis.
Climate Awareness: These stories remind us that nature has always had the final say, and in a world of changing climate, that lesson is more important than ever.
So the next time you pull out the FOX6 Storm Center App, remember that the forecast on the screen could change history. If you don't believe me, just ask George Washington.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the FOX6 Weather Experts, the American Battlefield Trust and Brittanica.