GUEST COMMENTARY: Valley Forge inspired, mapped our national unity
This year's unprecedented presidential campaign highlights deep division, a fractured nation of partisan coalitions. Where are shared interests and purpose, values and beliefs, especially meant for the Fourth of July?
The hope for the United States, not the Divided States, takes us back to a pivotal founder, George Washington. Let's go to his Continental Army's experience at Valley Forge to reflect upon how Washington's winter encampment there inspired and mapped our national unity.
During the American Revolutionary War (1775-83), the British Army's Philadelphia campaign led to a series Continental Army defeats. After the Battle of Brandywine, Washington could not defend Philadelphia, the revolutionary capital. His 12,000-man army, one-third of American forces, marched to winter quarters at Valley Forge, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. They encamped there from December 1777 to June 1778, the harshest of eight winter encampments for the Continentals. Short on food, clothing, medicine, basic housing and sanitary facilities, the soldiers suffered poor nutrition, smallpox and other life-threatening diseases. Confidence sagged.
The Continental Army reflected diverse, not yet integrated 18th century demographics. Coming from the 13 colonies, roughly half derived from English and Scottish ancestry. Historians estimate that approximately 25% of remaining soldiers were of Irish and 12% of German descent, with smaller numbers of Dutch, Swedish, Polish, Africa descent, while even Native Americans also served. French allies and many other foreigners also participated, mostly as officers. Opposition to British colonial rules united these seemingly unrelated groups. Ideals of freedom and equality brought them together in the darkest days of the Revolution.
Despite personal dislikes, General Thomas Conway, an Irish member of the French Army, commanded a Continental brigade at Valley Forge. Prussian Baron von Steuben played an instrumental role in training Continental soldiers there. Due to the Prussian's military background, Washington appointed him the first Continental Army Inspector General. Von Steuben did not speak English and had to rely on translators. He whipped faltered troops into shape with discipline and skill. Translators compiled von Steuben's methods and instructions into "The Blue Book," still in use in today's military academies. The Prussian officer is remembered as the Founding Father of the U.S. Army. Pennsylvania Germans further contributed to the soldiers' training with their well-known skills in riflery.
Women like Mary Ludwig Hayes, "Molly Pitcher," joined their husbands at Valley Forge. Hayes famously replaced her wounded husband in loading a cannon. Margaret Thomas, a free Black woman, laundered and mended clothing for the commander-in-chief's household. Despite barriers to black enlistment in the early years of the Revolution, approximately 5,000 enslaved and free blacks served in the Continental Army. Integrated units like this would not arise again until after WWII.
Washington invited Native Americans to assist at Valley Forge. Oneida leaders brought white corn and winter warmers to sick and starving Continental soldiers. Polly Cooper of the Oneida nation taught the army how to use plants and herbs to heal wounds and save lives.
The Valley Forge encampment was emblematic of American solidarity, renewing spirits, rejuvenating bodies, and defeating the world's then-mightiest army. Coming together in our darkest time molded American character and identity. Washington thus set off the long journey towards a future multicultural nation.
Celebrating the Fourth of July would not be complete without reflecting upon our cohesive abilities. If the contributions of Irish Americans, German Americans, African Americans, Native Americans, foreign-born newcomers, and many other groups were inextricably linked to America's success in defeating the British and claiming our nationhood, there are reasons for us to see that we are more connected than separate in our history.
Will the ties forged in blood and suffering at Valley Forge be strong enough to carry us through current tensions and divisions? At the core, the U.S. is an experiment to provide seats at the multicultural table for all who contributed to our survival and the idea of freedom.
Mimi Yang and Wayne Thompson are Professors Emeritus of Carthage College in Kenosha. They can be reached at and .
