Smallpox, Inoculation, and the Continental Army

This paper explores the impact smallpox had on military activities during the American Revolution, and broadens the idea that the presence of the disease influenced military strategy, battlefield effectiveness, and preventive medical practices during the first years of the war. My presentation details the ways smallpox affected soldiers during the War for Independence, and explores the ways that smallpox affected strategic military planning during the course of Revolution. This disease, which caused massive casualties among both the American troops and British irregular forces, changed the course of the war by forcing military leaders to shift strategies in order to compensate for the presence of smallpox. Perhaps even more importantly, however, the use of inoculation to prevent the spread of smallpox allowed the Continental Army to control the health of its troops, and contributed to the ultimate American victory in significant ways. This presentation focuses on two important campaigns, the Siege of Boston and the Canadian campaign, and will explore the ramifications of Washington’s use of inoculation in an attempt to control the consequences of unchecked smallpox among his troops. My paper will clarify the consequences of smallpox by looking at the strategic developments it engendered for various military campaigns, and detail the importance of the use of mass troop inoculation as a preventive medical procedure. Due in large part to Washington’s perseverance and dedication to eradicating the threat of smallpox, the Continental Army was able to survive and develop into an effective and reliable fighting force, unhampered by recurring epidemics of that disease. By constantly working with “the utmost Vigilance against this most dangerous Enemy,” Washington succeeded in controlling outbreaks of smallpox, and protecting his troops from its devastating effects.