10 Questions
What was the purpose of Washington's stop at Valley Forge in January 1778?
To rest, resupply, and retrain his troops
What was the impact of Baron von Steuben's guidance on the Continental Army?
Increased professionalism and morale
What event solidified Washington's position as the unquestioned Commander-in-Chief?
The Battle of Monmouth in June 1778
What was Benedict Arnold's role upon his arrival in Philadelphia in July 1778?
Assume the post of military governor
What led to Washington's decision to attack the British as they crossed New Jersey?
The British leaving Philadelphia and marching towards New York City
What was the strategic importance of West Point?
It controlled the Hudson River and facilitated communication between New England and the rest of the colonies
What was Benedict Arnold's initial reason for feeling dissatisfied with his military career?
He believed his honor was unfairly tarnished
What led to Washington agreeing to rebuke Benedict Arnold?
Threats from Joseph Reed to withdraw Pennsylvania's support for the war
What action did Washington take against the mutineers during the winter of 1780 at Morristown?
Condemned their leaders to death and forced them to execute their comrades
What event marks the start of America's democratic government and the end of the revolution?
Washington's inauguration as the first president of the United States
Study Notes
- April 20, 1789, George Washington called back into service as the United States' first president after leading the Continental Army in a war against the British.
- Washington's journey to New York City includes celebrations in each town.
- Philadelphia, the former rebel capital, is a fitting stop on the journey due to Washington's experiences at Valley Forge.
- In January 1778, Washington sets up camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to rest, resupply, and retrain his troops.
- Washington's hands-on approach in building the camp earns him admiration from his soldiers.
- Supply shortages lead to thousands of soldier deaths from disease, forcing Washington to seek help.
- In mid-February 1778, Baron von Steuben arrives to offer European training to the American army.
- Under von Steuben's guidance, the Continental Army learns proper drills and forms, increasing professionalism and morale.
- The British leave Philadelphia and march towards New York City, with the French entering the war.
- Washington decides to attack the British as they cross New Jersey.
- The Battle of Monmouth in June 1778 results in a draw but solidifies Washington's position as the unquestioned Commander-in-Chief.
- Benedict Arnold arrives in Philadelphia in July 1778 to assume the post of military governor.
- Arnold, despite a troubled past and a failed reputation, attempts to restore order in the city.
- Arnold's questionable business dealings in Philadelphia come under scrutiny, with accusations of corruption and abuse of power.
- Arnold marries an 18-year-old suspected loyalist, Peggy Shippen, under intense public scrutiny.- Benedict Arnold stands before the Continental Congress on March 5, 1779, to answer accusations against him.
- Arnold was dissatisfied with his military career and believed his honor was unfairly tarnished.
- Joseph Reed, a former trusted officer of Washington, leads the attack against Arnold.
- Reed threatens to withdraw Pennsylvania's support for the war unless Arnold is taken action against.
- Washington wants to give Arnold a field command but agrees to rebuke him to keep Pennsylvania's support.
- Arnold, feeling betrayed, hatches a plan to surrender West Point to the British in exchange for 20,000 British pounds and a general's rank.
- West Point, also known as Fort Arnold, is a strategic location controlling the Hudson River and vital for communication between New England and the rest of the colonies.
- Arnold manipulates Washington into giving him control of West Point, believing it will fulfill his deal with the British.
- Arnold and British Major John André meet on September 21, 1780, to discuss the fort's plans and troop movements.
- Arnold's treason is complete, but he is later discovered when André is captured with the plans to West Point.
- Arnold flees and eventually joins the British in New York City.
- Arnold's betrayal deeply shocks the nation, raising questions about who else might consider the same.
- Washington's army faces challenges during the winter of 1780 at Morristown, with dissension, insubordination, and food shortages.
- Washington takes decisive action against mutineers, condemning their leaders to death and forcing them to execute their comrades.
- The Morristown Winters of 1780 and 1781 are difficult for Washington, who must restore peace among loyalists and patriots and deal with the consequences of the war.
- Washington swears in as the first president of the United States on April 30, 1789, with a ceremony attended by thousands.
- Washington's inauguration marks the start of America's democratic government and the end of the revolution, although some believed it would lead to chaos.
- Many people involved in the revolution go on to make significant contributions to American history, including John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Nathaniel Greene.
- Various key figures, including Henry Clinton, Benedict Arnold, and Friedrich Wilhelm Augustus Heinrich Ferdinand Baron von Steuben, have differing fates after the war.
- Washington serves as president for two terms, dies two years later, and Martha Washington burns their personal letters.
Test your knowledge of George Washington's leadership and the betrayal of Benedict Arnold during the American Revolutionary War. Explore the key events, decisions, and figures that shaped the nation's history.
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