by Barbara Latta
The Country that Almost Wasn't
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| George Washington thwarted a mutinous attempt. |
When thinking about George Washington and the Revolutionary
War we think of winning battles, crossing the Delaware on Christmas Eve and the
signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Newburgh Conspiracy, so called because the Continental Army was housed at Newburgh, New York in 1783, is not one
of the popular topics of discussion in our historical recollection of our
country. But the Revolutionary War almost ended in mutiny.
The Articles of Confederation did not allow for taxation.
Congress did not have a way to finance the war and relied on the states to make
voluntary payments known as requisitions. Since the financial distribution was
voluntary, payment was seldom made and the military suffered. Lack of supplies
and no pay for the soldiers created unrest among the ranks.
