Benedict Arnold: The Patriot
Benedict Arnold is a name that is commonly associated with treachery by Americans. Clouded with this perception, people fail to recognize Arnold as one of the greatest patriots whose contributions helped United States of America to reach independence. In analyzing his background and various contributions and sacrifices for the colonies in the book “George Washington and Benedict Arnold: A Tale of Two Patriots”, one would argue that his contributions might even exceed what George Washington, one of the founding fathers, had offered to the country.
Born into a good family, Benedict Arnold had gotten used to the pleasant environment. Unfortunately, multiple disastrous events happened continuously after his 10th birthday,
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which includes the death of his siblings, his father’s alcoholism and the collapse of his father’s business. These misfortunes continued on with his parents’ death, leaving him and his sister to struggle by themselves (33). Arnold’s ambitious and responsible traits, which is shown in his later life as a general, might have been shaped through his childhood experiences. However, those experiences might also have caused his headstrong and contentious personality. One might argue while Washington did not carry these personality traits even though he also went through hard times during his childhood. Washington also experienced the loss of siblings and father, and economic trouble. However, it is obvious that Arnold struggled through more hardships than Washington did, because Washington had the support of his capable brother, whereas Arnold had to support himself and his sister. Arnold continued his career as a merchant. He was one of the most successful traders due to his cleverness in deal-making and his willingness to work longer and harder than anyone else. This achievement led to envy and jealousy, alienating him from his fellow captains. Rumors about him went around, threatening his reputation. People suggested that whoring and venereal disease surfaced in Arnold’s family. He tackled these problems head-on by lodging lawsuits (62). This event led him to act in a more aggressive behavior when faced with disputes. Washington is a man with conservative nature, therefore, Arnold’s character might seem too abrasive if it were compared to Washington’s. However, Arnold’s aggressive personality was the source of his ability to inspire his troops and the colonies, as well as his courageous acts that later helped him win multiple battles. Like the rest of the colonists, Arnold was distressed by the oppressive British taxes and laws. His growing debts led him to join the Sons of Liberty to protest against the implementation of the insensible laws such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act (57). He joined the militia units along with 64 other men and began to prepare their own battle equipment. Arnold was chosen as captain because of his leadership qualities and his experiences (73). He proceeded to lead a group of people along with Ethan Allen to capture Fort Ticonderoga. The fort was captured in less than 10 minutes, without bloodshed (89). This event inspired that the colonists, because it showed that they could achieve victory with good strategies and tactical attacks. This was the first major role that Benedict Arnold performed in the early American Revolutionary war. Arnold’s persistence and courage were proven in the battle of Quebec.
Washington appointed Arnold as Colonel in the Continental Army, leading a group of men to Canada (119). This fact alone shows that Washington himself was impressed by Arnold’s accomplishments in previous battles and that he trusted Arnold to lead the next expedition. Without fear, Arnold marched his troops to Canada through uncooperative weather, various illnesses and limited supplies (129). Critics may argue that unlike Arnold, Washington cared more about his men and would not have proceeded with that dangerous mission. However, Arnold’s courage and tenacity in this expedition led him to be described as America’s Hannibal, because his performance is comparable to Hannibal’s legendary crossing of the Alps (132). He was then promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. This shows that even the Continental Congress was impressed by Arnold’s …show more content…
patriotism. Being the bravest and most reliable, Arnold was the first to advance in the battle of Quebec when they were faced with a fight from the outset. Early in the battle, Arnold’s leg was seriously wounded from the cannon that was shot toward him. He planned for a counterattack despite the fact that he was lying on hospital bed due to his wound (143). When he finally managed to limp, he continued to find and prepare defensible position that would benefit them in the battle of Quebec. Regardless America’s loss in the battle of Quebec, Benedict Arnold was recognized by political leaders, including Benjamin Franklin, as a great man (153). His perseverance definitely impressed and inspired the colonists during that era. The Battle of Saratoga is another reminder that Benedict Arnold was a superior patriot.
In the battle, Arnold defied General Gate’s command by proceeding to lead a group of soldiers to attack the British line which resulted in the surrender of the British. The victory is this battle is highly significant because it convinced the French to openly support the colonists (250). The battle might have not been a success if it had not been for Arnold. Arnold crippled his leg when he was defending the colonies in the Battle of Saratoga. He was injured when his horse got shot in the midst of the battle, pinning his leg on the ground causing a serious wound. This is a memorable event which shows Arnold’s devotion to the colonist. Despite his contribution, he failed to receive the recognition he deserve because General Gates was getting most of the credit for their victory while he was suffering from his fatal injury
(255). Series of events shows that Benedict Arnold was going through immense pain both physically and mentally. After multiple sacrifices and disputes with fellow militia men, Arnold anger burst his anger to the Congress. He felt that he did not get the recognition he deserved. In his mind, the colonies would be better off with the mother country. The conflicts accumulated in Arnold’s mind and this led to his act of treachery with the support of his loyalist wife, Peggy Shippen (301). These episodes of events informed one to realize that his treacherous act was not based on a single-minded selfish thought. Without giving less regard to Washington, one could observe that Arnold’s contributions in the Revolutionary War was extraordinary. While Washington’s contribution was heavily on the political side, Arnold was ready to offer his life to defend the colonies. His sacrifices were a major influence on the outcome of Revolutionary War. Therefore, his existence might be one of the contributors to the independence of America. His background shaped him into a headstrong man, which resulted in his rash decision making when he was faced with immense physical and social stress. However, one would consider him a superior patriot due to his major contributions in the Revolutionary War. He helped the colonies win multiple battles and gain allies that were essential to aid the colonies win the war. His multiple sacrifices outweighed the one crime he made. Therefore, even though Arnold ultimately committed treachery, he was a superior patriot who was unfortunately faced with a series of inevitable events.
However, the author 's interpretations of Jefferson 's decisions and their connection to modern politics are intriguing, to say the least. In 1774, Jefferson penned A Summary View of the Rights of British America and, later, in 1775, drafted the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms (Ellis 32-44). According to Ellis, the documents act as proof that Jefferson was insensitive to the constitutional complexities a Revolution held as his interpretation of otherwise important matters revolved around his “pattern of juvenile romanticism” (38). Evidently, the American colonies’ desire for independence from the mother country was a momentous decision that affected all thirteen colonies. However, in Ellis’ arguments, Thomas Jefferson’s writing at the time showed either his failure to acknowledge the severity of the situation or his disregard of the same. Accordingly, as written in the American Sphinx, Jefferson’s mannerisms in the first Continental Congress and Virginia evokes the picture of an adolescent instead of the thirty-year-old man he was at the time (Ellis 38). It is no wonder Ellis observes Thomas Jefferson as a founding father who was not only “wildly idealistic” but also possessed “extraordinary naivete” while advocating the notions of a Jeffersonian utopia that unrestrained
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 ...
...didn’t over step his authority or attempt to subvert the army for his own purposes. Instead, George Washington sets the example of the military commander who was subservient to civilian political leadership. He also showed patience and coolness in the face of adversity. On many occasions in the book, the author cites Washington’s expressions of doubt and fears of failure, yet Washington never showed fear or doubt in action in front of his troops.
Washington's selection to be the leader of the Continental Army was the wisest choice that the newly formed Continental Congress could have made. Washington's selection as Commander of the Continental Army did more to win the Revolutionary war than any other decision made during the conflict. His personal character epitomizes perfectly the five traits required in a successful general: wisdom, sincerity, humanity, courage, and strictness. (Sun Tzu p. 65) These five crucial traits will become apparent and Washington's strategy to win the War of Independence is elaborated on further
In this book Founding Brothers, the author Joseph J. Ellis writes about American Revolution's important figures such as George Washington, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin and James Madison exhibit that how the specific relationships of the Founding Fathers have influenced, or were influenced in the course of the American Revolution. These men have become the Founding Fathers and had a strong connection with each other as friends fighting one another to eliminate the British from North America, and forming optimistic brotherhood eager for freedom. However, many of the Founding Fathers were preoccupied with posterity. They wanted to construct and preserve images that served both their egos and
Braddock was shot off his horse and Washington had to lead the army back to Virginia. Washington's bravery and courage helped get the remaining troops back to safety.
During the War for American Independence, 78 men were commissioned as general officers into the Continental Army by the Continental Congress. Many of these generals commanded troops with differing levels of competence and success. George Washington is typically seen as most important general, however throughout the war a number of his subordinates were able to distinguish themselves amongst their peers. One such general was Nathanael Greene. At the end of the Revolutionary War, Greene would become Washington’s most important subordinate, as demonstrated by Edward Lengel’s assessment of Greene as “the youngest and most capable of Washington’s generals.” Washington and Greene developed a strong, positive and close relationship between themselves. Greene began his life in the military after having been raised a Quaker. With limited access to literature and knowledge in his younger years, Greene became an avid reader which equipped him with the knowledge necessary to excel as a general during the war. Through his devoted study of military operations, firsthand experience and natural abilities as a soldier, Greene became an excellent military commander. He would become known for his successful southern campaign, during which, he loosened British control of the South and helped lead the war to its climax at Yorktown. Throughout the war, he was involved in a number high profile battles where he built a reputation of being an elite strategist who also understood unconventional warfare, logistics, and the importance of military-civil affairs and had a natural political/social acumen. The thesis of this paper is that Greene’s proven reputation of being a soldier, strategist and statesman would cause him to become the second greates...
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.
America was born and survived, its rough road into a nation, through a series of events, or moments in history. The founding brother’s book is about a few important figures during and after the American Revolution. These important figures consisted of Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, John Adams, George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson. Each of these men, contributed to the building of America in one way or another. The book breaks these contributions into a few short stories, to help understand what these important figures did.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were two important men who affected our nations independence and the beginning years of our country. They helped form this nation into a free and sovereign country. Yet, they were different in many aspects they shared a few common features. Both Washington and Jefferson grew up in the southern state of Virginia and like most owned land to grow and harvest crops. In growing up they came from two different class levels of living. The Jefferson family was more famous and richer than Washington’s giving him a greater advantage and opportunity to succeed, especially in higher education. After Jefferson finished regular schooling he was able to attend the College of William and Mary were he studied law. He did so under the teaching of George Wthe who was considered perhaps the greatest teachers of law in Virginia at the time. Washington however was taught by his mom mainly in mathematics and received no higher education. Washington was still knowledgeable and began to put it to use in the army to become as a young British soldier. He interred the army at the young age of nineteen were he began to learn leadership and military strategy which would prove useful in the Revolutionary War to come. Jefferson on the other hand was involved in the laws, courts, and small politics. At the young age of twenty-five Jefferson was elected to the House of Burgesses in Virginia were he served for five years. Washington was known for his great motivational speeches that would rally troops together to prepare for war and lead on to victory. Jefferson was more of a writer not a speaker and by using his skill he wrote and brought forth fresh ideas of independence and freedom.
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.
Many suspect that they were with Washington only to maximize the hate on both sides of the battle. They went against Washington’s orders to not be the aggressors. Soon large units of British and American soldiers were sent to settle what should have been small battles. The French however were prepared to fight back and even had the Indians as allies to help with upcoming battles. In July, Braddock’s army which consisted of over 2000 British soldiers rode west with George Washington and came upon 250 plus French soldiers with over 600 Indians allies. Nearly 1000 British were killed, unlike George Washington who was unhurt during the battle was soon promoted to commander of the Virginia army for his bravery. (Roark 146)
During 1776, the United States was at war to gain its own independence from the hands of the tyrant King George III and his kingdom. As the fightt continued, the spirits of the U.S. soldiers began to die out as the nightmares of winter crawled across the land. Thomas Paine, a journalist, hoped to encourage the soldiers back into the fight through one of his sixteen pamphlets, “The American Crisis (No.1)”. In order to rebuild the hopes of the downhearted soldiers, Thomas Paine establishes himself as a reliable figure, enrages them with the crimes of the British crown, and, most importantly evokes a sense of culpability.
Despite the low expectations for the American colonies, they amazed the world as they rose to the occasion by taking advantage of their military assets, even those they did not know they had. For instance, George Washington proved to be a valuable asset for the American colonies. Washington was already held in high esteem prior to the Revolution for his few, but impactful, military accomplishments prior to the Revolution and for his praise-worthy character. (Schweikart and Allen 74) Because of his lack of experience commanding, he learned to excel in familiarizing himself with new tactics and responsibilities very quickly. (Mount Vernon) He used strategy to make up for what he lacked in supplies or force. In 1776, he valiantly crossed the Delaware river for a successful surprise attack on Trenton and days later successfully took Princeton, two undertakings which contributed significantly to the American victory along with Washington defeating Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1...
Introduction Today, the Olympic Games are the world's largest pageant of athletic skill and competitive spirit. They are also displays of nationalism, commerce and politics. Well-known throughout the world the games have been used to promote understanding and friendship among nations, but have also been a hotbed of political disputes and boycotts. The Olympic games started thousands of years ago and lasted over a millennium.. The symbolic power of the Games lived on after their demise, and came to life again as the modern Olympic Games being revived in the last century. Both the modern and Ancient Olympics have close similarities in there purpose and in there problems.