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Spies of The American Revolution"
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Wendell P. Chase III
Armstrong State University
Political History of America / Georgia
18 September 2014
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Spies of The American Revolution
Contrary to popular belief, the art of intelligence and counterintelligence is not really all that new to the United States, but goes all the way back to the days of The American Revolution. Had it not been for the bravery of men and women alike, and the utter will to be free from the British rule, our military leaders would not have been so well prepared to engage the enemy and win in decisive battles.
Long before the conception of organizations like the National Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) , George Washington served as the chief intelligence officer and spymaster of our nation. He headed a covert ring of spies who 's intel, bravery and for some, ultimate sacrifice would help shape the outcome of the war. There were many rings of spies during this time period but, none as effective or famous.
The first evidence colonial of spying or espionage occurred in 1765 when the Boston Caucus Club and The Loyal 9, formed the Sons of Liberty, which was organized in the summer of 1765 as a means to protest the passing of the Stamp Act of 1765. Their motto was, “No taxation without representation.” This group organized and carried out which The Boston Tea Party. By the end of 1765 the Sons of Liberty existed in every colony. Some people contend that, without his spies, General George Washington would not have been as successful as he was during the American Revolutionary War. Some would also say that,
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Spies of The American Revolution"
the spies were the determining factor in the outcome of the war which led to our nation becoming what it is today. In this paper I will talk about one specific set of spies. Probably, most notable of them all was The Culper
References: GEORGE WASHINGTON 'S SECRET SIX The Spy Ring that Saved the American Revolution. (2013). Kirkus Reviews, 81(19), 173. Washington’s spies : the story of America’s first spy ring / Alexander Rose. http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/sons.htm " http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/american-revolution-history/videos/ the-sons-of-liberty-and-the-boston-tea-party " http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/related/sons.htm http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/culper-spy-ring "