"Barbarous Strangers": Hessian State and Society during the American Revolution

 

"Barbarous Strangers": Hessian State and Society during the American Revolution

“‘Barbarous Strangers’: Hessian State and Society during the American Revolution” by Charles Ingrao, published in The American Historical Review (Vol. 87, No. 4, October 1982, pp. 954–976), examines the political, social, and military structures of Hesse-Cassel and their mobilization for service in the American Revolutionary War. Ingrao explores how the Hessian government organized, funded, and administered its military forces, including recruitment, conscription, and the negotiation of contracts with Britain. The article also analyzes social responses to military demands, the interaction between civilian populations and the state, and the broader implications of maintaining a “soldier state” during a period of extensive foreign deployment. Drawing on official records, correspondence, and contemporary accounts, Ingrao highlights the interconnectedness of state authority, societal obligations, and military service, providing a detailed picture of how Hesse-Cassel functioned as a European mercenary provider.