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The Histories
Abstract
The American Revolution was not a bipolar war; the belligerents were not inclusive to Great Britain and its American colonies. The war saw the bringing in of France, Germany, Spain, and the Native Americans to the theater. Even though Germany was not unified at the time of the conflict, a certain area loaned out its troops to back Great Britain’s claims. These German soldiers were called Hessians, meaning they hailed from the Hesse-Cassel state. This group of German fighting men were well disciplined and well-trained. The British were aware of their successes and prowess; however, this reason alone was not the only contributor in Hesse-Cassel’s loaning out of soldiers to Great Britain. The connection of Germanic and English cultures had its roots in the Saxon invaders of the large island, now modern day Great Britain. The Saxons were Germanic in root, which explained the close connection in language between the British and Germans. It was not a surprise that Hesse-Cassel came to Britain’s aid during the American Revolution. These Hessian soldiers were disciplined; however, many were enticed by the offers in the United States after the defeat of Great Britain to immigrate. The German mercenaries that stayed were deserters and captured prisoners of war. The Hessians were motivated to stay in the newly formed United States as a result of the new life that was able to be fostered in the rich and bountiful lands that made up the previous colonies.
Recommended Citation
Fritz, Matthew
(2016)
"The Hessian "Invasion" of the Newly Anointed United States,"
The Histories: Vol. 3
:
Iss.
1
, Article 5.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.lasalle.edu/the_histories/vol3/iss1/5