An extremely important book not only for military historians but also for those concerned with the role of disease in history. - Dr. Jeremy Black -- Jeremy Black Ann M. Becker's new book, Revolutionary Smallpox: Washington's Army, Disease and Society, is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive account of the subject and the disease itself. The medical literature is well explained to enlighten those unfamiliar with it. While smallpox remains controversial, this new book is a valuable contribution to the history of the revolutionary era. -Philip Ranlet, Hunter College -- Philip Ranlet In this well-researched study, which skillfully incorporates both primary sources and statistical data, scholar Ann Becker turns a sharply focused lens on the pivotal impact of smallpox on military strategy during the American Revolutionary War. Although inoculating his troops was a slow and agonizing decision, General George Washington clearly understood the danger that the devastating disease, with its high rate of contagion and mortality, posed to his war effort, including to American prisoners of war.

Becker ably demonstrate that Washington's inoculation orders against "this most dangerous enemy [smallpox]" served as a key strategical factor in the ultimate American victory. At the same time, she shows how the disease affected both the American and British armies at different junctures and locations in the war effort. Beck offers a finely detailed, yet readable account of an important aspect of the Revolutionary War that has previously received only cursory attention. Revolutionary Smallpox helps broaden our understanding of this pivotal event in American history. -Jeanne Abrams, University of Denver -- Jeanne Abrams, University of Denver Before the twentieth century soldiers were more likely to die of disease than in battle. As a general background factor, military historians have well understood that disease was capable of weakening armies. What is strikingly original about Ann Becker's book is an effort to explore the strategic implications of different experiences of disease in opposing armies. Not all diseases, and not all military efforts to control disease, are the same however.

In her careful and nuanced study of the American revolution, Dr. Becker shows how varying efforts to control and manage smallpox could tip the balance between the contending forces and affect strategic outcomes. Dr. Becker's work will force military historians to reassess the role of disease in warfare. -- Ian Roxborough, Stony Brook University "Revolutionary Smallpox is readable and accessible, providing a focused and detailed account of the disease's impact on the American Revolution. I am more convinced than ever by the evidence provided here." -- Elizabeth Fenn Nearly three fourths of American soldiers who died in the War of Independence perished from disease. Smallpox was among the great killers of militiamen and soldiers in the Continental army, a disease so virulent that it threatened America's ability to wage war.

Ann Becker's Revolutionary Smallpox tells this story in an engaging and illuminating manner, showing how America's civil and military leadership succeeded in controlling and largely overcoming the threat. This is a book that should be read by all who wish to understand the Revolutionary War and the American victory that secured independence. John Ferling, author of Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781 (2021) -- John Ferling, author of Winning Independence: The Decisive Years of the Revolutionary War, 1778-1781.