"Wavering on a Tremendous Precipice": George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the Continental Army

FAIN: FT-248921-16

David Head, PhD
University of Central Florida Board of Trustees (Mobile, AL 36608-1780)

A book-length study of George Washington's Continental Army and the Newburgh Conspiracy of 1783 as a significant event in the formation of the new nation.

My project investigates the challenge of reintegrating the military into civilian life as seen in the Newburgh Conspiracy, a still mysterious affair at the end of the American Revolution when angry officers apparently collaborated with nationalist-minded politicians to pressure Congress to approve new taxes that would be used to pay the army, satisfy the nation’s creditors, and strengthen the central government. The book will be the first full study of the episode and its significance for the new nation. Works on the revolution often move from the victory at Yorktown to the origins of the Constitution, and when Newburgh is discussed, it is to praise Washington's leadership, condemn the scheming founders, or evaluate whether it was a true conspiracy. I approach the episode broadly, using it to see how the U.S. transitioned to peace; that is, how soldiers are reestablished in civilian life, how a nation does justice to its soldiers, and how civilians adjust to the return of peace.

Associated Products

George Washington’s road trip: Trip tips for Trump (Blog Post)
Title: George Washington’s road trip: Trip tips for Trump
Author: David Head
Abstract: An op ed published in the Orlando Sentinel that encourages president-elect Donald Trump to undertake a tour of all the states, as George Washington upon first taking office.
Date: 11/19/2016
Primary URL: http://http://www.orlandosentinel.com/opinion/os-ed-george-washington-donald-trump-visit111916-20161119-story.html
Primary URL Description: George Washington’s road trip: Trip tips for Trump
Blog Title: George Washington’s road trip: Trip tips for Trump
Website: Orlando Sentinel

A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution (Book)
Title: A Crisis of Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspiracy, and the Fate of the American Revolution
Author: David Head
Abstract: Finalist, George Washington Book Prize Honorable Mention, Journal of the American Revolution Best Book Award
Year: 2019
Primary URL: http://https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/A-Crisis-of-Peace/David-Head/9781643130811
Access Model: Traditional book
Publisher: Pegasus Books
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 978-1643130811
Copy sent to NEH?: No

Prizes

Honorable Mention, 2020 Book of the Year
Date: 11/1/2021
Organization: American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia
Abstract: For excellence in American Revolution scholarship written for a broad public audience.

Honorable Mention, Harry M. Ward Book Prize
Date: 9/7/2020
Organization: American Revolution Round Table of Richmond
Abstract: for research and writing on the American Revolution

Honorable Mention, Best Book Award
Date: 1/29/2021
Organization: Journal of the American Revolution
Abstract: Awarded for excellence in American Revolution scholarship written for a broad public audience.

George Washington Book Prize
Date: 7/15/2020
Organization: George Washington's Mount Vernon/Gilder Lehrman Institute/Washington College
Abstract: Given for outstanding scholarship on the Founding Era

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