Benedict Arnold Research Paper

Throughout the history of the United States of America, the American Revolutionary War was undoubtedly the event that was most impactful and decisive towards the ultimate fate of this country. Without it, this country wouldn’t have seen its formation in the first place. It began in the 1750’s and 1760’s, when British colonists who settled in the 13 colonies became fed up with British rule, taxation, and laws set on them. For example, when the taxes for tea were imposed on the colonies, a large majority started revolting, and strived for liberty from the British, so that they could govern themselves and create their own laws. As a result, many who lived in the colonies, including famous patriots, eventually sparked a revolution until a full-out
Arnold started out as part of the Sons of Liberty, a group of people who secretly opposed British taxation laws. However, he soon became a militia captain of Continental Army when the war began. The first conflict that Arnold took part in was the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, during which he joined forces another militia captain named Ethan Allen (“Ethan Allen Captures”). Together, during the night of May 9, 1775, both men and their militia crossed Lake Champlain towards Fort Ticonderoga, New York, which was currently under British control, and just as the sun rose, launched a surprise invasion of the fort. As a result of Arnold and Allen’s strategic and careful planning, the British commander stationed at the fort surrendered before any blood was shed, and with only one militiaman being minorly injured. Although this engagement was brief, it marked the first decisive victory for the Continental Army against the British, and served as a morale booster for the rest of the Americans that the British could be beaten. In fact, after their victory at Ticonderoga, Allen and Arnold were even able to seize cannons and other artillery from the fort. The artillery increased the Continental Army’s military strength, and were utilized to lead the Americans to multiple victories in future battles (“History.com Capture”). Therefore, not only did Benedict Arnold take part in leading the Continental Army towards their first victory, but he also helped boost both the military strength and the confidence of the rest of the army, so that they could carry on to win the