The Battle of Long IslandIn the history of the American Revolution, the Battle of Long Island (sometimes called the Battle of Brooklyn) of August 1776 is largely ignored. It was, unfortunately, the first of 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, Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Yorktown, which provide a better picture of the situation. the narrative. The hardships of Valley Forge also serve as an indicator of the indomitable American spirit, 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 served as a crucible for Washington's leadership, as he oversaw a massive evacuation that saved his army from destruction, setting the stage for the inevitable victory that would have occurred. five years later. Prelude to the Invasion Americans were full of patriotic spirit in the summer of 1776. Having driven the British from Boston, the hotbed of the rebellion, the Americans were shaping their independence and feeling confident. McCullough (2005) cites Joseph Plumb Martin, a Connecticut farm boy, a novice recruit, as156). Some minor skirmishes followed the landing, but as late as August 24, Washington (1932) still believed that an attack on Manhattan was “very probable” (p. 485). Around 1 a.m. on August 27, Washington was awakened in his Manhattan headquarters by the sounds of fighting coming from Long Island. At dawn, Washington realized that this was the main attack and ordered all available regiments to join them via small boat (Flexner, 1968, p. 109). Washington told his men, “If I see anyone turn their back today, I will shoot them. […] But I won't ask anyone to go further than me. I will fight as long as I have a leg or an arm" (p.