Summary:
During the Revolution, many historical figures played an important role in the duration and outcome of this most famous era in American history. Perhaps the most controversial figure to play a role in the American Revolution was Benedict Arnold, who is now known as America"s most famous traitor.

Details or Sample:
Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut. Prior to the Revolution, Arnold was a wealthy and prosperous merchant who founded a pharmaceutical drug store in New Haven at the age of 21. By the age of 33, he had established himself as one of the wealthiest merchants of New Haven. In 1767, he then married to the daughter of the sheriff of New Haven, Margaret Mansfield, who died eight years later.

In 1774, Arnold was commissioned captain in the militia of Connecticut. When the Revolution began in 1775, Arnold claimed he could capture Fort Ticonderoga located in New York. Subsequently, Benjamin Church made Arnold a colonel in the patriot militia and, along with Ethan Allen, went on to capture the fort on May 10, 1775. After the capture, Arnold returned home to join George Washington"s Continental Army, where he received orders from Washington to next attack Quebec. He led 1,100 soldiers into Quebec and created a blockade, but failed in his attack of the area. During the attempted assault and attack of Quebec, Arnold sustained a severe injury to his leg and subsequently received a promotion to brigadier general on January 10, 1776.

Through successful assaults and attacks in the year 1776, including the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, Arnold continued to show his abilities against the British forces and loyalty to his cause. However, Congress appointed five new major generals in 1777, which did not include Arnold, in spite of his seniority over the newly appointed major generals. Discouraged by this news, Arnold threatened to leave the army but was persuaded to stay by General George Washington. He continued with his efforts and was promoted to major general in May of 1777 by Congress for his assault on British forces in Connecticut. In October of 1777, Arnold received command under General Horatio Gates to stop the advancement of a British raid led by General Burgoyne, Colonel Barry St. Leger and Sir William Howe. This led to the Battle of Bemis Heights, where Arnold advanced a successful attack on the British forces and sustained a severe injury to his already injured leg. Subsequent to this patriot victory, General Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga a few days later, and General Gates received credit for the patriot victory. Shortly thereafter, Congress reinstated Arnold"s seniority over the remaining generals and documented that Arnold was indeed accountable for the victory.

Purchase this content for your website...

Pricing:
Usage:	$30	[Add to Cart]
Unique:	$50	[Add to Cart]

Downloads: 0
Written by: Laura Rice
Available File Types:Text
Words: 966