Images of America—Political Myths—Historiography: "Hessians" in the War of Independence

 

Images of America—Political Myths—Historiography: "Hessians" in the War of Independence

“Images of America—Political Myths—Historiography: ‘Hessians’ in the War of Independence” by Christof Mauch, published in Amerikastudien / American Studies (Vol. 48, No. 3, 2003, pp. 411–423), examines the representation and historiography of Hessian soldiers in the American Revolutionary War. Mauch analyzes how political myths, cultural narratives, and popular imagery shaped both contemporary and later perceptions of Hessians, often portraying them as mercenaries or foreign villains. The article explores how these images influenced historical writing, collective memory, and national identity in both the United States and Germany. Drawing on literary, visual, and historical sources, Mauch highlights the tension between historical reality and myth-making, offering a critical perspective on how the legacy of Hessian soldiers has been interpreted and remembered over time.