Noble Undertaking: The Continental Congress and the American Revolution, 1778-84

In 1778, as the War for Independence continues, Congress faces diplomatic successes, internal crises, and challenges securing an honorable peace.

In 1778, the prospects for the new United States seem promising even as the War for Independence continues. The diplomatic team that the Continental Congress dispatched to France has secured an alliance. The British, now facing two enemies, give ground. Having recently chased the Congress out of Philadelphia, the British abandon the city, allowing Congress to return.

But British troops still occupy New York City and other parts of the new nation. The challenges of driving them out and securing an honorable peace remain. Meanwhile, old and new crises complicate the work of Congress and threaten to fracture the union. Congress’s novice diplomats in Europe plead for arms, money, and more from France while scouring Europe for other allies, while leaders in Vermont, defying claims to the would-be state from New York, test Congress’s patience. The breathtaking betrayal of Benedict Arnold tests delegates’ faith in their own military men.

The Continental currency, which served well in financing the war early on, collapses. The Articles of Confederation, the nation’s first constitution, proves unsuitable from the moment it is ratified. Delegates and the states they represent dispute about how lands to the west will be settled and governed. Congress for the third time must flee Philadelphia, but this time not because of the British. This time they slink out of town in fear of their own troops, who are angry and bitter about lack of promised pay.

Congress sets up shop in a college building in Princeton, New Jersey, and then moves on to Annapolis, where in the Maryland state capital, delegates ratify the longed-for peace treaty with Great Britain.