Rheumatic disease in wartime: The American revolution - 1775

摘要

Before the modern era, the outcomes of military campaigns were often determined by illnesses among the troops or their commanders rather than by combat. The risk of illness was enhanced by fatigue, crowding, extreme climatic conditions, and poor diet and sanitation. Infectious diseases were the most important in wartime, but others, even including rheumatic diseases, have contributed to success or failure on the field of battle. I will illustrate this point by recounting events in 1775, the first year of the American Revolution. Late in the year, Gen George Washington ordered the invasion of Canada by 2 units of his army, with the goal of capturing Quebec, the greatest fortress in North America. Canada might then become the 14th state in the new nation, which would not declare its independence until the following year. There were many reasons for the expedition's failure, but among them were 3 rheumatic diseases.