How did George Washington respond to the smallpox outbreak during the Revolutionary War?

During the Revolutionary War, George Washington faced a significant challenge with the smallpox outbreak that threatened the Continental Army. He understood the potentially devastating impact that the disease could have on troop strength and morale. Rather than closing operations, abandoning the fight, or ignoring the situation, Washington took decisive action by ordering inoculation for soldiers who had not yet been exposed to the virus.

Inoculation, which involved deliberately introducing a mild form of the smallpox virus to build immunity, was a controversial yet necessary strategy during a time when smallpox was a highly infectious disease that could easily incapacitate an army. By implementing this strategy, Washington aimed to protect his soldiers from the full-blown effects of smallpox, thereby preserving the fighting capability of the Continental Army. This proactive approach not only helped to reduce the incidence of the disease among the troops but also demonstrated Washington’s commitment to ensuring their health and readiness in the face of adversity.