The Siege of Louisbourg, 1745. Overwhelming American Victory Plants Overconfidence That Dictated Military Doctrine for Two Centuries.

The American victory instilled an unwarranted confidence in the colonies’ military prowess, fostering a belief that their amateur forces could stand toe-to-toe with professional armies. Yet, this triumph was overshadowed by the betrayal felt when Louisbourg, hard-won through their blood and sacrifice, was handed back to France in a distant peace negotiation. This decision by the British government deepened colonial resentment, planting the seeds of hostility that would only grow in the decade...