Braddock's Defeat

The Battle of the Monongahela and the Road to Revolution

By: David L. Preston

Narrated by: Michael Quinlan

On July 9, 1755, British and colonial troops under the command of General Edward Braddock suffered a crushing defeat to French and Native American enemy forces in Ohio Country. Known as the Battle of the Monongahela, the loss altered the trajectory of the Seven Years' War in America, escalating the fighting and shifting the balance of power. An unprecedented rout of a modern and powerful British army by a predominantly Indian force, Monongahela shocked the colonial world - and planted the first seeds of an independent American consciousness. The culmination of a failed attempt to capture Fort Duquesne from the French, Braddock's Defeat was a pivotal moment in American and world history. While the defeat is often blamed on blundering and arrogance on the part of General Braddock - who was wounded in battle and died the next day - David Preston's gripping new work argues that such a claim diminishes the victory that Indian and French forces won by their superior discipline and leadership. In fact the French Canadian officer Captain Beaujeu had greater tactical skill, reconnaissance, and execution, and his Indian allies were the most effective and disciplined troops on the field. Preston also explores the long shadow cast by Braddock's defeat over the 18th century and the American Revolution two decades later. The campaign had been an awakening to empire for many British Americans, spawning ideas of American identity and anticipating many of the political and social divisions that would erupt with the outbreak of the revolution. Braddock's Defeat was the defining generational experience for many British and American officers, including Thomas Gage, Horatio Gates, and, perhaps most significantly, George Washington. A rich battle history driven by a gripping narrative and an abundance of new evidence, Braddock's Defeat presents the fullest account yet of this defining moment in early American history.

©2015 David L. Preston (P)2015 Audible, Inc.

exceptional layout of a confusing important battle

exceptional backstory on Washington's rise during French and Indisn War a little known and neglected period of history..lays out Battle or Monagahela with expertise and precision....must read

A Colonial history must listen

While it could drone on from time to time, Braddock’s Defeat expertly lays out the causes, effects, and minutiae of the most significant Indian victory over European forces in colonial American history. Good narration as well.

One of the best books I’ve read

This book is OUTSTANDING! The painstaking research into first hand accounts from both British and French sources really helps to analyze and understand Braddock’s defeat in a new light.
The authors writing style is very descriptive and paints and vivid picture of the realities of the conflict in such a way that would rival the most seasoned storyteller. The chapter on the actual battle was so vivid I could close my eyes and picture it as described.
For anyone interested in military history particularly the French and Indian War or military logistics this is a MUST read!
I hope the author is working on his next book!

Great story, great backdrop to the American Revolution

Have read much about the revolution and this account of Braddock's journey adds to the depth of the struggle for the Americas by natives and foreigners alike, laying additional layers to the conflict and lives of those who lived during this epoch. This story was well told and the performance was in line with the sober subject.

Dry Narration

Really great history of the French and Indian war, the military and strategic aspects of Braddock's mission, and its importance to the future of America. Near ration is very dry and monotone and makes this difficult to get through. I think I would've enjoyed the book more.