Episode 060: David Preston, Braddock’s Defeat: The Battle of the Monongahela

by Liz CovartDecember 15, 2015

Play episode

Did George Washington really start the French and Indian War?

Why should we remember a battle that took place over 260 years ago?

Today, we investigate the answers to those questions as we explore the Battle of the Monongahela with David Preston, author of Braddock's Defeat: The Battle of the Monongahela and the Road to Revolution.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Episode Summary

In this episode, we explore the Battle of the Monongahela with David Preston, the Westvaco Professor of National Security Studies at The Citadel and author of Braddock's Defeat: The Battle of the Monongahela and the Road to Revolution.

During our exploration, David reveals where the Battle of the Monongahela took place and why it happened; The roles that British, French, and Native American soldiers and warriors played in the battle; And, why we should remember the Battle of the Monongahela when it took place 260 years ago.

What You’ll Discover

Why we should remember the Battle for the Monongahela (1755)
Conventional and unconventional warfare in a tribal context
Overview of the Battle of the Monongahela (1755)
Context of the French and Indian War
The Jumonville Affair (1754)
George Washington’s involvement in the Jumonville Affair
Edward Braddock
French officers who fought against Braddock
Military experience of the French and British officers and soldiers at the Monongahela
Native American warriors involved in the Battle of the Monongahela
Logistical challenge of bringing Braddock’s personnel and equipment to Fort Duquesne
The road that Braddock’s men cut through the Allegheny Mountains
Benjamin Franklin’s role in Braddock’s Expedition
How the Battle of the Monongahela contributed to Washington’s military education
How Washington came by his Native American name “Conotocarious”
What Braddock bequeathed to Washington on his deathbed

George Washington Battle of the Mononghela — George Washington rallying the broken forces at the Battle of Monongahela on July 9, 1755, Courtesy of MountVernon.org

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Time Warp Question

In your opinion what might have happened if the British had sent out another expedition to Fort Duquesne? Would the British have secured the Ohio Valley and the confluence of the Ohio, Monongahela, and Allegheny Rivers?