The Battle of Long IslandIn the history of the American Revolution, the Battle of Long Island (sometimes called the Battle of Brooklyn) in August 1776 has been largely overlooked. It was unfortunately the first in a series of military defeats for George Washington and the Continental Army, and the final outcome of the war predisposed many to focus on the victories at Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Yorktown, which provided a better setting of battle. the story. Even the difficulties at Valley Forge serve as an indicator of the indomitable spirit of Americans, as opposed to the disorganized chaos of American troops fleeing in the face of the British advance. However, the Battle of Long Island was not only the largest battle of the entire war, but it also served as a crucible for Washington's leadership, as he oversaw a mass evacuation that saved his army from destruction, paving the way to the inevitable victory that was about to occur. five years later. Prelude to Invasion Americans were full of patriotic spirit in the summer of 1776. After driving the British out of Boston, the birthplace of the rebellion, Americans were consolidating their independence and feeling confident. McCullough (2005) cites Connecticut farm boy Joseph Plumb Martin, a raw recruit, as 156). A few minor skirmishes followed the landing, but as late as August 24, Washington (1932) still believed that an attack on Manhattan was "very likely" (p. 485). On August 27, around 1 a.m., Washington was awakened in his Manhattan headquarters by the sound of fighting coming from Long Island. At dawn, Washington realized that this was the main attack and ordered all available regiments there, joining them via small boat (Flexner, 1968, p. 109). Washington told his men, "If I see a man turn his back on him today, I will shoot him." […] But I will not ask any man to go further than me. I will fight as long as I have a leg or an arm” (p..