The conduct of Siege Warfare in the 18th century is often mentioned with little or no explanation of how and why it was conducted. Armies of the period, including those engaged in the American War for Independence, followed well-established and highly developed tactical doctrines for the attack and defense of fortified places. A successful siege operation enabled the attacker to reduce an enemy stronghold without resorting to a potentially bloody frontal assault. On the other hand, an effective defense forced an attacker to expend time and materiel resources that might be better utilized in operations elsewhere. This presentation explores the intricacies and the technical expertise required to carry out an effective and successful siege operation, such as at Yorktown in 1781. The explanation includes descriptions of 18th-century field fortification design and construction, as well as the methods for successfully reducing them.

Specific topics, such as the purpose and rationale for building parallel and approach trenches, as well as the employment of various classes of artillery, are also covered. At the conclusion, participates will better understand how an attacking army could destroy the combat power of a major enemy field army defending a well-fortified position.

Registration required. Registration closes one half-hour prior to lecture.

Cost: $15 per household for General Admission; $10 per household for HA Members, Military, and HA Docents
 

About Our Presenter: Dr. Glenn F. Williams is a retired Army officer who entered public history as a second career. He is currently a Senior Historian at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Fort McNair, DC, where his previous positions included Historian of the National Museum of the U.S. Army Project and Historian of the Army Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemoration. He has also served as Historian of the American Battlefield Protection Program of the National Park Service, Curator/ Historian of the USS Constellation Museum, and Assistant Curator of the Baltimore Civil War Museum Ð President Street Station. He is the author of several books, including Year of the Hangman: George WashingtonÕs Campaign Against the Iroquois (Westholme), recipient of the Thomas J. Fleming Award for the Outstanding Revolutionary War Book of 2005, and named one of ÒThe 100 Best American Revolution Books of All TimeÓ by the Journal of the American Revolution in the spring 2017 issue. His newest book, DunmoreÕs War: The Last Conflict of AmericaÕs Colonial Era, was released in May 2017. In 2018 he was recognized for contributions to the study of 18th Century American military history with the Shelby Cullom Davis Award of the Society of Colonial Wars and the Judge Robert K. Woltz Award of the French and Indian War Foundation. He holds a Ph.D. in History from the University of Maryland, College Park.

The information contained in the HA Virtual Lecture series represents the historical research, views and opinions of the lecture presenter and may not represent the views or opinions of Historic Annapolis, Inc.