The American Revolution
Part 5, England's Last Chance After the Battle of Saratoga and the American alliance with France success seemed a real possibility. However, enormous weaknesses in the Americans' strategy remained. In August, 1780, Benedict Arnold was made commander of West Point. In this program Arnold's treachery is analyzed , as well as the role of American privateers fighting the British Navy.
Discussion Questions
- Banastre Tarleton
- Benedict Arnold
- Benjamin Lincoln
- Bonhomme Richard
- Cornwallis
- Gen. Horatio Gates
- John Andre
- John Paul Jones
- Peggy Shippen
- Robert Norris
- loyalists
- privateer
- What was the Great Chain? Why was West Point called the key to the continent? What geographical aspect of the Hudson River at West Point made it a good place to attack sailing vessels?
- Why do you think Benedict Arnold chose to commit treason? How has his decision affected the way historians think about Arnold?
- Why didn't the British trust Arnold after he joined their army in 1780? What role did he play as a British commander?
- What role did the American privateers play in the American Revolution? What cause motivated these captains to their patriotic actions? What was the public relations impact of the privateers' successes?
- Why were the West Indies so valuable in the 18th century? What products were grown and harvested there?
- Why did the "American problem" become less important to the British as the war dragged on and became global in scale?
- Where did the final naval battle between Britain and France and her allies occur?
- Why did the British want to keep ports in the southern colonies?
- How did Banastre Tarlton gain his infamy? Why was he called "the butcher Tarlton?"
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