A Failed Nation - A Dangerous Instrument

American Political History · Aug 11, 2026 · 35m

In the spring of 1783, with the Revolution all but won, the most dangerous enemy of the United States was its own army. Unpaid for years, cheated of their promised pensions, the officers camped at Newburgh, New York, had every reason to be furious — and an anonymous letter, circulating hut to hut, told them the time for begging was over. A faction of politicians in Philadelphia, led by Alexander Hamilton, saw in that fury a weapon they could use to force a helpless Congress into line. Their cause was just. Their argument was strong. And it led straight to the edge of a military coup. This is…