Mrs. Longwell and Mrs. Muirhead
AP American Studies
14 September 2014
The Heroic Courage of Hannah Arnett
In the winter of 1776 the Patriots were losing the American Revolutionary War. The British and the Hessians who fought with them, had certain advantages such as boats, a greater number of soldiers and superior artillery such as muskets and bayonets. General Washington had fled to New Jersey from New York City. Great Britain was not on the same page as the Patriots when it came to fighting. The British had sent an offer to the men of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, declaring that they would give the men “protection of life and liberty”, but only if the town became loyalist. A meeting to converse the subject of the British offer was held at Hannah Arnett, the Patriot’s wife’s, house in which she was not invited to. She decided to interrupt the meeting and proclaim her opinion in the discussion. Arnett encouraged the men not to give up, and to proceed in doing what has to be done. She even threatened to leave her husband if these Patriots took the British offer. The decision should be based on their hearts, not what is going through the men's heads. By making a proper decision, the men could reduce the number of war casualties. That was when their turning point began, and the men took deliberation of Arnett's speech in mind. The Patriots were speechless, and realized that Arnett had a point, they needed a new regiment. They listened and came to conclusion that they would refuse to sign the proclamation. Arnett had a monumental impact on the men at the meeting, and boldly interrupted only for the good of the people and for what she believed was the right option to take.
Why is this significant?
Hannah Arnett inspired the men to continue on with the fight to independence, even if it seemed hopeless.
She interrupted a meeting where only men were allowed, and took a stand for what she believed in.
Even though she