Conquered into Liberty

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Americans often view the Civil War as the defining conflict that solidified the nation and its military values. However, a much earlier struggle between “North” and “South” spanned over two centuries, beginning in the 1600s, and significantly influenced American geopolitics and military culture. Eliot A. Cohen examines how the American way of war developed through a prolonged conflict with Canada. He details how five groups—the British, French, Americans, Canadians, and Indians—vied for control of the crucial corridor from Albany to Montreal, known to Native Americans as the “Great Warpath.” This region, characterized by lakes, rivers, and woodlands, was pivotal in shaping the military values, practices, and institutions of the emerging nation. Through vivid accounts of various conflicts—ranging from woodland skirmishes to naval battles—Cohen illustrates the evolution of a uniquely American approach to warfare along the Great Warpath. He combines tactics, strategy, and narratives of battles with insights into lesser-known figures like loyalist spy Justus Sherwood and self-taught engineer Jeduthan Baldwin, while also revisiting familiar characters like Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, and George Washington. Grounded in thorough research, this work promises to engage and enlighten readers for years to come.