Historians have long considered the Battle of Monmouth one of the most complicated engagements of the American Revolution. Fought on Sunday, June 28, 1778, Monmouth was critical to the success of the Revolution. It also marked a decisive turning point in the military career of George Washington. Without the victory at Monmouth Courthouse, Washington's critics might well have marshaled the political strength to replace him as the American commander-in-chief. Authors Mark Edward Lender and Garry Wheeler Stone argue that in political terms, the Battle of Monmouth constituted a pivotal moment in the War for Independence.

Includes maps of: New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, 1777-1778; British Routes to Monmouth, JUN 1778; Continental Army Routes to Monmouth, JUN 1778; Rival Army Encampments, 27 JUN 1778; Village of Monmouth Court House - Freehold; Farms on the Western Battlefield; Steuben's Escape; Lee's Advance Stalls at the West Morass; Lee Marches to Contact; Counterattack; Washington Encounters the Retreating Vanguard; Melee at the Point of Woods; Bloody Action at the Hedgerow; Grenadiers Cross the Bridge; Great Cannonade; Washington Resumes the Offensive; Wayne Attacks the British Rear; British Route to Sandy Hook.

The audit of war : the military situation, 1777-1778 -- A general under fire : George Washington and his critics -- Antagonists : the British and American armies -- Toward a new campaign -- The matter of Major General Charles Lee -- The roads to Monmouth I : Henry Clinton's march -- The roads to Monmouth II : the continental advance -- General Lee's orders : expectations and misunderstandings -- Battlefield and village -- Morning at Monmouth I : the opening round -- Morning at Monmouth II : General Lee's battle -- Commanders in conflict : the Washington and Lee affair -- Buying time : the point of woods and the hedgerow -- The great cannonade -- Death in the afternoon : the battle of detachments -- Aftermath of battle : the living and the dead -- The British and the French : departures and arrivals -- Constructing victory, settling scores -- A campaign in retrospect: assessments and legacies.