Today is Presidents’ Day, a National Holiday celebrating the birthdays of our two greatest presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln (No, it is not just an excuse for some really good sales!).
Washington, as we all know, was Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, leading the American victory over Britain in the Revolutionary War. The pivotal battle in the American War of Independence was the Battle of Yorktown, when Washington’s army defeated Cornwallis’s British Army. Cornwallis died in 1805, but certainly his life affected the Regency.
- Cornwallis wasn’t just a bad guy, as I thought in elementary school. In fact, he took leave from the Revolutionary War to be at the side of his dying wife.
- Cornwallis wasn’t perfect, though. He did not exactly approach the defeat of Yorktown as a gentleman. Instead, he feigned illness and sent his second in command to formally surrender his sword to Washington.
- He did redeem himself in the eyes of Britain, though, going on to become civil military governor in India and Ireland and bringing about significant changes. In Ireland he helped to bring about the Act of Union, and in India, Permanent Settlement.
- Half of Washington’s army at Yorktown were French soldiers under the command of Rochambeau.
- Washington, who could not tell a lie, sent fake dispatches to Cornwallis’s superior in New York, convincing him that the American attack would be on New York and not Yorktown.
Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809, a year before “our” Regency time period and his leadership during the American Civil War made him one of our greatest presidents, but, in looking into how his life might have intersected with Britain, I discovered things I did not know.
- Lincoln was almost involved in a war with Britain.
- Queen Victoria’s Prince Albert was instrumental in averting this war.
The Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston, wrote a harsh ultimatum to President Lincoln, basically threatening war. When this letter reached Queen Victoria for approval, she sought her husband’s advice. Prince Albert, ill with the fever that would take his life soon after, rose from his bed to draft a less volatile missive, one that would not provoke war. It was his last political act.
- Lincoln was almost involved in a world war.
Thank goodness Queen Victoria listened to her husband.
Ain’t history grand? What historical facts have surprised you recently? What are you doing this Presidents’ Day?
I have a new contest on my website.
I haven’t been in research mode, so no recent tidbits. As to what I’m doing today, the answer is shoveling. Tomorrow I hope to be skiing. Not especially on topic to the holiday, but fun. 🙂
I’ve been reading the book “We Two” about Albert and Victoria. I am not as far as Albert’s death yet, but am amazed at how little I knew about Albert and Victoria. I knew the Hollywood versions were off, and I also know that biographers can be biased about their subjects, but Albert does not necessarily seem like a great guy. I did not know that Germans felt women were incredibly inferior although I shouldn’t be surprised. Also he was very big into telling Victoria to do as he says and not as he does. But I will say that this book is completely changing my mind about the Victorian era.
Elena, my commiserations about snow shoveling. We have a forecast of rain/snow tonight.
Rachel, that sounds like a fascinating book!
First, I’m still miffed that schools teach children about telling the truth by telling a lie. And they wonder why children struggle with ethics. There was never a cherry tree incident. Ever.
Second, I was surprised to learn that it shouldn’t have been called the Victorian Era. It should have been called the Albert Era because it reflected his values and beliefs not hers.
And last, I was amazed to learn this year that Washington had served in the British army, honorably. It makes perfectly good sense, but I’d never thought about it before.
Judy, that is exactly what the book “We Two” is saying. Have you read it or did you glean this info from something else? I’d love any book recommendations you have on the subject.
Diane, Rachel, and Judy: Thanks for an informational blog and comments!
At home, we’ve made a picture of George Washington and a banner wishing him a happy birthday! We’re sporting red-white-n-blue themed clothing and had a similarly themed breakfast (waffles with blueberries, whipped cream, and a dollop of strawberry jam).
Judy, are they still teaching kids that? In my day I think everyone believed the cherry tree incident. It is funny how legends like this endure.
Keira, your breakfast sounds downright patriotic!!
Thank you for an interesting post. There is so much out there to learn. It is impossible to hit all the interesting little details and side stories out there. Reading, or researching, historical fiction is a great way to learn interesting tidbits.
My husband and I read THE IMPERIAL CRUISE (I hope that is correct. I am not home and can’t check). The information on the secret deals the government was making and the impact mthey had on America and the Pacific area really made my husband’s blood boil.
Diane, my nieces know about the cherry tree legend, and they are tweens.
I’m sorry, Rachel, I can’t refer you to a book source regarding Victoria and Albert. I learned it from my English honorary aunt and uncle. I spent a summer with them back in ’86, at their home in London. (They were in their 60s-70s , then, and unfortunately passed away back in the 90s.) They were well educated, informed, and loved to share what they knew, especially with one eager to learn.
Great historical info, O Divine One! I think most of the participants in the Revolutionary War had their good moments and their bad. It was still and era where war was a gentleman’s game, so to speak.
I have always thought that the Victorian era was more about Albert’s rather narrow views on everything from politics to a woman’s place than it was about what Victoria thought or wanted. Little wonder their children, particularly their sons went a little wild.
I have a great book on deadly plants and Lincoln’s mother was killed by one. I can’t remember which one. I need to look it up.
When I taught history I tried to incorporate little facts like this into my lessons to make my students realize that these people were above all else – human.
librarypat, The Imperial Cruise sounds like a fascinating book. Amazing what the writers of history choose to tell us and what they choose to conceal.
Judy, sounds like they are still teaching the cherry tree incident.
Louisa, I didn’t know you taught history. I’ll bet you were good at it! Come to think of it, I remember you telling me about your students. I didn’t remember it was history. I assumed music.