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The importance of the Battle of Saratoga
300 word essay on the battle of Saratoga
The importance of the Battle of Saratoga
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Benedict Arnold What changes a military hero from a great patriot to a treasonous traitor? Benedict Arnold is the only man in our history to be a military hero for both sides. He is known to most in our country as a traitor but without his valiant efforts in battle against the British forces our country may not be singing the National Anthem but God Save the Queen. His passion for defeating the enemy in the end was what defeated him. What was the turning point in this patriot’s career? The Saratoga campaign was a series of battles fought during the months of June through October in 1777 in New York. During these battles it was Arnold who led the Americans to defeat Britain’s armed forces. Although it was General Horatio Gates who was in charge it was Arnold’s action that helped lead them to victory. During the Battle of Saratoga, specifically at Freeman’s Farm, the American’s were retreating but Arnold would not accept that. He got on his white horse and led a brilliant charge against the British. It was during this charge that Arnold’s leg was crushed beneath his horse. This gallant effort single handedly got the retreating American troops into a charge against the enemy, which in the end created a victory for the Americans and convinced the French to enter the war. This was such an important event in the American Revolution that one of his solider would later write that he was “the very genius of war.” In fact, the enemy also held this viewpoint, for it was British General Johnny Burgoyne who said that it was because of Arnold that he surrendered. However, not everyone saw Arnold in this light. Arnold angered General Gates because of his constant defiance. Gates didn’t want Arnold to fight because if a previous injury. This made Arnold, who was known for his loud voice and hot temper, furious. This caused General gates to become jealous and because of his “sheer pettiness” Gates would strip Arnold of his command. After the battle Arnold needed to recuperate his wounded leg which in the end would be left crippled. Unfortunately, it was during this time that the thoughts of treason started to form. Arnold became very bitter with the fact that he was not recognized “for his military genius on the part of Congress and the Continental Army.
The Culper Spies were instrumental in providing Washington with excellent intelligence; yet the most important piece of information may have been the discovery of Benedict Arnold’s plot to give West Point to the British. Unfortunately, it is uncertain whether the spy ring actually played a significant part in the capture of Arnold’s co-conspirator, John Andre, and thus saving West Point from the British. This uncertainty is either due to a lack of ...
In the novel, he shows toughness, courageousness, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Arnold shows these three components by writing comics and playing on the high school basketball team. He uses these traits to be the person he is in the book. Arnold proves that even when the odds may be against you, you can still fight for what you
The American defeat of the British during the Revolutionary War was a direct result of George Washington's incredible leadership and generalship which epitomized the greatness of Sun Tzu's "Art of War"
Few, when writing about the American Revolution, list the Battle of Monmouth among the significant battles. It was hardly a bloody battle, with only about seven-hundred total casualties. It was not a decisive battle, it was not a battle in which we gained or lost a key position, and it was not a battle in which we point to as an example of how to conduct an engagement. In fact, it was not a battle in which one can say that the Revolutionaries truly won. Yet, with all this, it was probably the battle that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. "Beneath a blazing sun at Monmouth Courthouse, it was shown to the rest of the Continental Army that the training of Freidrich Von Stueben had, indeed, paid off. Here, Revolutionists stood toe to toe with the greatest Army in the world, and drove them off the field." Heroes were made here, such as the famous Molly Hays McCauly , better known as Molly Pitcher. In truth, and in accordance with legend, she took up her husband's place at his cannon on Comb's Hill after he had fallen. Another legend that began here was the insanely courageous moves of General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. His hold against the Grenadiers earned him this nickname, which stuck until his death . Truly, this battle sent a rejuvenated spirit across the entire Continental Army. Contrary to popular belief, they could beat the British regulars. This would no longer be by some fluke, or by poor commanding on the British side, but by the excellent fighting that had been instilled on them during the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
George Washington was selected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army because of his courage and bravery, his ability to motivate and command respect from his followers, and his strategic ability in battle. His reputation as a daring and successful leader inspired confidence and loyalty in his followers. If it weren't for George Washington, it would be a different America today.
Nathanael Greene, although not afforded many victories in battles, was a masterful strategist, soldier and statesman. He was able to successfully employ militia, regular, light and mounted units during his command in the South. He built upon the reputation that he made for himself at the beginning of the war in Boston. It is because of this reputation and his ability to produce results that made him the second most important general in the continental army, next only to George Washington.
The British army woke up the next morning and was amazed to see how much hard work took place that night by the American army. Since the British army was surrounded they had no other option but to surrender, and vacate the city.... ... middle of paper ... ... But he always learned from his mistakes.
"One if by land, two if by sea"- the supposed famous words spoken by Paul Revere to Colonel William Conant, an American soldier stationed in the steeple of the North Church in Boston, waiting to send the signal of the proposed path of the British invasion on April 18, 1775 to Paul Revere. According to the legend, Paul Revere was to be placed across the Boston Bay from the North Church waiting for the signal from Colonel Conant. The Colonel was to hang one lantern in the steeple of the church if the British showed signs of an invasion on land, or display two lanterns in the spire if evidence existed a sea invasion by the British. Once Paul Revere saw the two signal lanterns hanging in the steeple, signaling the imminent approach by sea of the British forces, he began his ride from Charlestown to Lexington to Concord, warning the citizens of these towns of an approaching British invasion. So began the famed "midnight ride of Paul Revere," a ride which warned the colonists of a forthcoming revolution that would shape the future of America.
In 1775, Benedict Arnold had taken his first victory-Fort Ticonderoga. The Battle of the fort occured on May 10, 1775. Arnold and four-hundred soldiers stood opposite of the fort on Lake Champlain and waited for the scouting units to return (CIA). When they had returned, they told Benedict that the fort had only housed fourty-nine British soldiers, a megar amount compared to Benedict's. But the scouts had also noted that there were only two boats that could transport Benedict and his soldiers, therefore only a hundred or so men actually particapted in the capturing of Fort Ticonderoga (History Ticonderoga). Benedict still wanted to suprise the soldiers, so they attacked Ticonderoga's south gate, where only one sentry was stationed. Benedict damanded their surround once they had rose from their sleep. The British troops complied and the fort was won with no casualties and not a single shot fired (CIA). With the fort under the patriots control, the army gained a hundred cannons that the army despreately needed (fourty-three of which were transported and used by General Knox against the British at Boston) and a passage from New York into Canada( History Ticonderoga)which led Benedict to his next military excersion.
At the start of the war, the Continental Army lacked training and organization. While the scattered guerilla tactics seemed to waste time and resources, they helped Americans stay alive. In addition, the colonists had the advantage of perseverance; they had to fight for their freedom as a nation. Another facet that helped survival was the leadership of George Washington. His knowledge and expertise was critical in making sure his soldiers stayed alive; having the home field advantage boosted his effectiveness as well. All of these assets culminated into a powerful force against the British
He suffered from stage fright and often “blushed and faltered”, (18) even at his inauguration as President, “he trembled and several times could scarce make out to read his speech” (18) This weakness of his is often glossed over as it doesn’t seem to fit in with his image as the towering, imposing “founding father”. Yet today, it is essential for a President to be able to deliver impressive and clear speeches to the whole country. Finally there are some criticisms that he was not as effective General as is often believed. Thomas Paine claimed that he was a bad general whose strategy consisted of “doing nothing” (19). Although Paine had a personal agenda in condemning George Washington as he resented not being appointed Postmaster-General, and then later by not being rescued from French persecution by the government, it is true that George Washington did lose more battles than he won (20) and often did seem to do nothing for long periods of time. There is also the issue of his harsh treatment towards his own soldiers, any who were caught deserting or plundering were “flogged” (21) and he even a “Gallows near forty feet high erected” to terrify the rest into obedience.
One of the most notorious names in history is Benedict Arnold, an American Revolutionary War leader, who is known for being the “traitor to his country.” Yet, without his courageous and heroic deeds in the fight against the British, the Americans may have not gained freedom. In Saratoga, New York, a monument is dedicated to Arnold’s contribution to the victory of the Battle of Saratoga; however, there is no name on the monument. Biographer James Kirby Martin once said, “The tragedy of Benedict Arnold is that his incredible acts … have been washed away and basically forgotten.” Although Benedict Arnold was once a respected and admirable leader of the Americans, he was branded as a selfish and unethical traitor after the Revolutionary War and his efforts towards the success of the Americans were often overlooked or forgotten.
In the minds of most Americans, the name of Paul Revere forever conjures up the image of the lone patriotic rider shrouded in the darkness of the New England night. His mission: to inform the countryside that the Regulars are coming. On this night, the fate of the natural rights of all men in the new world seemed to rest on his shoulders. As terrifically romantic as this thought may be, it is far from the truth. Revere's midnight ride was anything but the heroics of just one man; rather, it can be much better summarized as the collective effort and doings of all New England Whigs. (ANB)
General George Smith Patton was a great American leader. His victories for America in Mexico, in World War One, and in World War Two proved his amazing leadership skills to the world. His bold, new tactics in France during World War Two are the basis of the modern military. Throughout his career, General Patton earned the respect of his men, his superiors, and the enemy. General George Smith Patton's leadership and tactics were the best of any Allied general of World War Two.
...hermore, going to war was an act of cowardice. He had to put aside his morals and principles and fight a war he did not believe in.