Benedict Arnold: Impact On American History

Benedict Arnold Impact On American HistoryDuring the mediate of the eighteenth century, many another(prenominal) questions arose regarding the future of the American Colonies, a relatively vast collection of British Colonial settle workforcets along the Atlantic coast of the New World. As a schism divided the citizens of the Colonies, war appeared to be the inevitable future. Due to countless years of benign neglect shown by the British to its little child, patriots entangle that it was clip for an epic revolution. This era of great revolutionary movements is characterized by many popular figureheads in American news report. Great minds such as Benjamin Franklin, doubting Thomas Jefferson, and George capital of the United States are accredited for world more or less influential. One man, however, is often overlooked in playing a vital role, both positive and negative, in the revolutionary landscape. His name is associated with traitor and he is quite possibly the near infam ous person in American history. People buzz off vilified him to the point where they canvas him to Judas, betrayer of Jesus Christ (Martin). Benedict Arnold, one of the most controversial men to take hold c entirelyed himself an American, is considered to be one of the greatest military minds in the history of the world. The question is what made him switch sides? His impact is undeniable, but unfortunately, his actions against the United States are, quite simply, too immense to forget.SIGNIFICANCEBackground Early Life and Pre-RevolutionBenedict Arnold was born(p) January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut. His Father, Benedict, was a successful business organizationman and his mother, Hannah Waterman-King, was a wealthy widow prior to re-marrying. His familys financial stature in Norwich was well accept. Benedict was enrolled in a private school at a young age with the expectation that he would go on to be educated in an elite university (Creighton). His Fathers mismanagement of money, however, cut Benedict drop bring out of school, forcing him to take an apprenticeship with his mothers pharmaceutical business. Four of Arnolds siblings would eveningtu whole in all told toldy succumb to Yellow Fever. The combination of the death of his children, mismanagement of the fortune, and eventually, the death of his married woman in 1759, saw Benedicts father to become a severe alcoholic (Sheinkin). Arnold would eventually see his first military action during the french Indian War, release his apprenticeship to join the cause. He enlisted in the Connecticut militia and marched to Lake George and Albany to oppose the French in the meshing of Fort William Henry. The Indians supporting the French would go against the result of their French leaders who had promised them scalps and booty, going on to mercilessly massacring several hundred men in the militia (Hickman). From this moment, Arnold despised the French, which induct state to influence him after on . After the inhibition defeat, Benedict grew tired of the constant discipline and government issueed to his apprenticeship. http//www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/images/arnold.jpgSons of Liberty Benedict Arnold grew to become a successful businessman. His rich cousins supplied him with enough money to go out on his own in the pharmaceutical business. Arnold traveled to Europe, where he bought necessary supplies for his own pharmaceutical business which he would go on to kick in in New Haven (Benedict Arnold). His business ambitions soon expanded after he made significant good in his first business venture. He involved himself in the westerly India Trade and also traded with Canada. Arnold acquired three ships in partnership with his friend, Adam Babcock (Hickman). Their business was successful, until Englands implementation of the Sugar and Stamp diddles. Arnold became displeased with Britains provoke taxation on imported goods in order to make up for their indebted cris is after the French Indian War. His outrage led him to become the fervent leader of the Sons of Liberty in New Haven, building up his anger towards the British stranglehold placed upon the Colonies. Arnold, however, was not the only one with growing villainy towards the British. http//media.giantbomb.com/uploads/4/48363/1108061-sons_of_liberty_poster_p228640904795152089trma_400_super.jpgIn the middle of the 1700s, Britain began to impose several acts, taxes, and laws that paralyzed the progression of the Colonies. For example, in 1764, Britain imposed the Sugar Act, which increased the duties on non-British goods being traded with the Colonies. Later, in 1765, Britain passed the accommodate Act which forced the Colonies to supply and provide barracks for British troops. The farthermost of the three initial Acts in the 1760s was the Stamp Act of 1765. The Stamp Act was the first handle taxation of the citizens of the Colonies, taxing all paper goods such as newspapers, pamphlet s, and even playing cards. As a way of rebelling against the British oppression, the Stamp Act carnal seeledge was convened. The Stamp Act Congress passed a Declaration of Rights and Grievances, which claimed that American colonists were equal to all other British citizens, protested taxation without representation, and stated that, without colonial representation in Parliament, Parliament could not tax colonists. In addition, the colonists increased their non-importation efforts (Morris). In the big project of things, this was just the pedigree of tensions amongst the Colonies and Britain in the events before the Revolution.The tumult regarding the impositions vomit in place by the British initiated a power struggle within the colonies. Britain was consistently attempting to stamp out the flame that the Colonists were trying to start. Although the Brits repealed the Stamp Act in 1766, they fire right back by passing the Declaratory Act. This Act stated that the British gover nment could establish laws in the colonies in all cases whatsoever (Morris). This squashed the Americans slogan of no taxation without representation. The first real call for revolution came in the form of Samuel Adams, who issued his Massachusetts Circular Letter which attacked Parliaments audacity to tax them at free will. Adams called for a unified revolt within all the colonies, which raised the question of, Can we really do this?. That question was answered by Thomas Paine, who wrote his famous pamphlet, Common Sense, to stimulate thought within the American population. Paine wrote in a manner that was well understood by all people, make his writings very successful. Paine said that it was only logical for the colonists to rebel, which caused many neutral thinkers to choose sides. This, however, only highlighted the schism between the American people. Commonsense.jpgAn indicator of how tensions were breaking in this era is shown in the Boston Massacre of 1770. The arrival of British troops in Boston marked the beginning of conflict between soldiers and citizens. A radical of three British soldiers were surrounded by an angry Bostonian crowd, which inexplicably caused the soldiers to fire randomly into the crown, killing three and wounding both more (Morris). Crispus Attucks, one of the casualties in the Massacre, was said to be The first death of the Revolution, as he lay mercilessly slain on the cold ground.Later, in 1773, Parliament instituted the Tea Act, considered to be the last revolutionary spark in Boston. It was a last ditch attempt to save the East India Company, forcing colonists to buy British tea with the Townshend taxes still in place. The colonists saw this as a direct attempt to undercut the revenue of local merchants. As reaction to this Act, the famous Boston Tea Party resulted in men dressed up as Indians and dumping all tea into the harbor. Tensions had reached their breaking point, and it was time for organized revolution. It is ou t of this revolution that gave rise to one of the greatest generals in American history, one that would rival Patton, majuscule, and Eisenhower. However, his name is more despised than it is lordly, but his impact in nonetheless undeniable.Benedict Arnold American planetaryWith his livelihood significantly impaired by the British involvement imposed in the colonies, Benedict Arnold devoted himself to the resistance of British tyranny. As tensions with London increased, Arnold increasingly became interested in military matters and was elected a captain in the Connecticut militia in March 1775 (Hickman). When word was spread most the first shots being fired in the Revolution at Lexington and Concord, Benedict jumped at the chance to ruin the British. Arnold assembled his 60 troops in the col branche green, and decided to establish them march north to have-to doe with in the Siege of Boston.Fort TiconderogaAs Arnold approached Boston from the south, he proposed an aggressive sie ge upon Fort Ticonderoga in New York to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. He was commission as a colonel to lead the mission. He soon rear out, however, that Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys were set to accomplish the same task. When Arnold and Allen met up, they clashed and battled for the right to envision the siege. In the end, air-cooled heads prevailed, and The Green Mountain Boys fought with Arnolds men in a convincing takeover of Fort Ticonderoga under the joint command of Allen and Arnold. The battle itself took about a keep down of ten minutes, as the American revolutionaries attacked the fort at 300 AM, catching the guards totally off guard. After the siege, Allens men decided to have a society by plundering the fort. Arnold was far from amused, and reported to the Massachusetts Committee of Safety, There is here at present 100 men, who are in the greatest wateriness and anarchy, destroying and plundering private property, committing every enormity, and paying no attention to public service (Sheinkin).Arnolds hatred of stagnation and inactivity made him want more. He had control of the southern portion of Lake Champlain, but sought full control of the lake. A fort on the opposite affirm of the lake, Fort St. Johns, had possession of the greatest warship on the lake, the George. Arnold selected his 30 best troops to join him as they sailed across the lake to seize control of Ft. St. Johns, their primary objective being the seizure of the George. They reached the opposite bank on May 18, and were able to secure control of the Fort and the George without firing a single shot (Sheinkin). Arnolds quick actions and bravery were evident from the get-go, and it was only acclivitous for him from then on. http//www.lcmm.org/images/img_education/img_outreaches/brassier_map.jpgBenedict Arnolds brash and bold manner was recognized quickly by Congress. In fact, they were scared. Arnolds lightning quick seizure of Fort St. Johns came as a assa ult to many. The Americans didnt even have an official army yet, and Arnold was eager for more action. Benedict was often characterized when he had too much free time as, restless, frustrated, and irritated (Martin). Fortunately, Arnold wasnt held furious for long, but not for the reason he hoped. He returned to see to his sickly wife, who died at the young age of 30.QuebecThe Continental Army had officially been formed, but Arnolds return home saw him catch severe symptoms of gout. After his brief term of absence, he returned to Cambridge to meet with George Washington. Their plan was to invade Quebec, and Arnold was to be Washingtons right-hand man. Arnold pitched the estimate that he would approach Quebec from an uncharted and treacherous route with the dense forest of Maine. Arnold hand chose 1000 men to aid him on his perilous trip to seize Quebec. Arnold brought along Jacataqua, a friend of young Aaron Burr. She knew the areas around the Kennebec River, and proved to be a life-or-death asset to their journey. The terrain they encountered was characterized by dense, wooded areas with swampy grounds, making traversing them next to impossible. Almost one quarter of the troops eventually turned around and headed back. Conditions of survival were rough also, as many of the boats leaked, which in turn unfit the food and gunpowder aboard. Once the group finally reached the St. Lawrence River, only 600 of the 1050 initial troops remained. They had travelled almost 400 miles through uncharted territory and were relatively unarmed. The Battle of Quebec began, however, despite the damage cause to Arnold and his troops. Arnold met up with Major General Ric wakeless Montgomery and united their meager forces against the fortified city of Quebec (Hickman). The Americans saw a crushing defeat on December 30, and December 31 at the hands of the British and their reinforcements, almost putting Arnolds perilous journey in vain. Arnold was severely injure in his leg and along with the death of Gen. Montgomery, the Americans were left with poor spirits. FileAmerican attack on Quebec.svgQuestion of CharacterBenedict Arnold was promoted to Brigadier General and commanded the retreat south from Montreal in 1776. After a strong defense at Fort Ticonderoga, Arnolds bravery remained intact, but the trust and support of his troops did not. some of his officers often called him cocky and even arrogant. Benedict saw many of his troops question his tactics and thought he was overly aggressive. Arnold was, in fact, falsely criminate to have stolen war supplies so that he could be replaced. Fellow General, Horatio gate, saw that Benedicts tight following to the rules and guidelines of war were too great for him to have stolen supplies. The court found him guilty, but Gates blocked this potential decision. Benedict had the right to feel angry over the his treatment by the other men (Benedict Arnold). It was occurrences such as these where he was mistreated that contributed to him eventually switching sides in the war. Much to Arnolds relief, he was sent back to Rhode Island to report to George Washington in order to rearrange defenses in response to the British occupation of Rhode Island.Arnolds FrustrationArnolds first feelings of discontent with his treatment by Congress and his peers were evident as he was consistently passed up to be promoted to Major General. His peers, who were also inferior officers, generated rumors about him that permanently damaged his reputation. Arnold had evident jealousies also, which were seen as weak because such a minute outside interference could displace him on the inside. Virtue is a key concept in the Revolution, and Congress repeatedly insulted Arnolds virtue (Martin). Arnold twice withdrew from the army with the firm belief that his honor and hard work were not being recognized. Benedict was deeply unhappy with his treatment, and it wouldnt get much better.Redemption at Saratoga commandant Phi lip Schuyler was the man who convinced Arnold to snag in the Continental Army. He saw Arnold as somebody who could provide a spark in the Northern Army, a unit with some disunion and deprivation of firepower. He was dispatched with some 900 men to relieve the siege at Fort Stanwix (Henretta). This siege was almost too easy for Arnold, who was surprised to return to find out it was now Horatio Gates who was in command. Gates, who is defined as a generally defensive commander, would not gel well with his polar opposite in wrong of military mindset, Benedict Arnold. As General Burgoynes army moved south, Arnold sought aggressive attack on the vulnerable Brits. Gates, however, was reluctant, and held his men back. At the pivotal Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777, Arnold defied Gates authority and took command of a group of American soldiers whom he led in an assault against the British line. Arnolds attack threw the confrontation into disarray and contributed greatly to the American victory. Ten days later, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army at Saratoga (Benedict Arnold). Arnolds brave and risky actions actually saw himself relieved from Gates command. This, however, is just an example of how inferior minds were above Arnold in caste system of the Continental Army. The Battle of Saratoga is often considered to be the turning point in the war, and without Benedict Arnold, it all couldve gone in a disastrous direction. https//bmshistory7p8.wikispaces.com/file/view/fauvel-the-surrender-of-general-john-burgoyne-at-the-battle-of-saratoga-7th-october-1777.jpg/198767254/fauvel-the-surrender-of-general-john-burgoyne-at-the-battle-of-saratoga-7th-october-1777.jpgAfter the battle of Saratoga, a great momentum shift was recognized throughout the world. France decided they might finally have a chance to be part of a victory in a war, so they took up the prospect of joining the rebel campaign. The Continental Army was having a hard time matching man for man the numbers that the British had. If not for the British having to travel a vast ocean to re-supply and send troops, the results could have shifted in their upgrade.Benedicts DemonsWhat may have been the final straw for Benedict Arnold was when Horatio Gates peevishly took all credit for the defeat of mighty Burgoynes troops. At the time, Arnold was bedridden in an Albany hospital collectible to a near fatal wound to the same leg wounded in the Battle of Quebec. Bedridden and helpless, Benedict Arnold gnashed his teeth at the distressing thought of Granny Gates receiving honors won by the blood and linchpin of better men (Creighton). Arnold then was forced to reassess his sacrifices and his rewards. The more he thought, the more bitter he grew. Describing his situation in the hospital, a firsthand grievance of a hospital worker said, Poison may have stopped oozing from his leg, but his heart remained full of rancor. Arnold wrote about his frustration with the American cause, he beli eved the patriots to be worse off than at the beginning of the war. Popular support for the Revolution was waning, and many saw loved ones lost. Much of his anger also think on civilians in Congress who shorted supplies for the military and failed to acknowledge the contributions made by fighting patriots. How can Congress allow this army to starve in a land of plenty? he penned.The Turning PointGeorge Washington, who still had bountiful faith in Arnold, told the permanently crippled Benedict that he was to protect the belatedly seized Philadelphia. Benedict even partook in the first recorded Oath of Allegiance, ironically, which shows ones loyalty to the United States (Sheinkin). Once in command of Philadelphia, Arnold began to envelop himself in questionable business deals in order to regain his previous financial losses suffered during much of the subverter War. Basically, Benedict used his position as Military Commander to profit from war-related supply movements. Many people in the city recognized his sketchy behavior, and many began to accumulate significant evidence against him. Arnold learned to live extravagantly in Philadelphia, which despite its recent change in occupants, remained to have Tory influences (Henretta). These influences are known to have helped convince Benedict to switch sides. On top of all his new wealth and stature, Benedict re-married a woman by the name of Peggy Shippen, daughter of test Edward Shippen, a notorious advocate of the loyalist cause. http//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/ hobble/e/e2/Peggy_Shippen_and_daughter.jpg/220px-Peggy_Shippen_and_daughter.jpgArnold would eventually be tried by a court-martial on two accounts of illegal activity as Military Commander in Philadelphia. neverthelesstually, the judge reached a verdict that he should be reprimanded by the commander-in-chief. Washington saw Arnold as being used as a scapegoat and as a victim or persecution. George Washington pushed the matter aside, inst ead granting Arnold complete control over the seizure of air jacket Point. Washington was oblivious to Arnolds sense of unhappiness, and now is the time when Benedict jumps ship.EspionageArnold grew tired of the American stagnation he had seen the cost at which freedom comes. Arnold saw the atrocities that followed the rough winter at Valley Forge, where soldiers were reduced to feeding shoe leather outside of British occupied Philadelphia. The only question in his mind was, Does the end really justify the means?Arnolds disgust towards the American causes reached its boiling point at the time of French intervention in the war. Arnold had grown to despise the French, ever since his early days of contributing in the French Indian War. He had been affected by the Tory influence that resided in Philadelphia, which played a crucial role in his change of mindset.Benedict Arnold was said to have first reached out to the enemy in May of 1779. Major John Andre, a British officer, acted as a courier between Arnold and Sir Henry Clinton. It was through Andre that the two men delivered secret encrypted messages regarding the possibility of a tradeoff. Benedict Arnold was in a particular position that would allow him to give the British what they had wanted since the beginning of the Revolutionary War the Hudson River (Hickman). In exchange, Arnold was to receive around three million US dollars (in todays currency). Another influence in Arnolds decision was his new wife. Peggy Shippen proved to have been a close friend of Andres, and is credited with having set up the whole communication system.http//25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mafy5aVDpp1rtn3ufo1_400.jpgArnold resigned his post as Military Commander of Philadelphia, and gained total control of West Point on August 3, 1780. On August 15, Arnold received an encrypted letter from General Clinton, which included his final walk of 20,000. In return, Arnold sent his acceptance of the offer and inside information regarding Fr ench reinforcements and the movements of Washingtons troops. Arnold became more and more comfortable at West Point, and systematically weakened his defenses in order to let his scheme advert better. The goal was for a siege without a single bullet. Arnold drained West Point of supplies to the point that his subordinates thought he was crazy. An eventual meeting was scheduled between Andre and Arnold to meet face to face on September 21. The HMS Vulture, the ship meant to carry Andre back to New York, was fired upon, causing it to retreat back down the Hudson River. Andre, as a result, had to return to New York on foot. He was given instructions and maps to wiggle his way through enemy lines, but he was eventually caught two days later with Arnolds documents in place.George Washington was said to have been calm at the time he found out, but one thing was on his mind. Washington knew that they had to destroy this guy top, bottom, and sideways and forever associate him with treason (M artin). There was nothing Washington wanted more than Arnold at his feet, begging for his mercy. Washington negotiated with the British, hoping to get an exchange for the captured Andre. To no avail, Andre was hanged October 2, 1780 on account of being a spy.The New ArnoldTheres an old saying Ive always known, and it says No one likes a traitor, even if hes your traitor. And this couldnt have been more evident than the case of Benedict Arnold. He was neer trusted by the British, whether it was on the battlefield, or just in general. He was never promoted above the rank of Brigadier, and he was never handed any major military operations under the Crown. Until the eventual fall of Cornwallis at Yorktown, Arnold was never considered to be a major factor in the British scheme of the Revolutionary War. George Washington ordered his immediate hanging should he be caught. All Americans knew about his becoming a traitor his name was wiped from all military records and was essentially delet ed from the very expanse that revered him as a Revolutionary hero. http//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/WestPoint1780.jpg/220px-WestPoint1780.jpgArnold, however never lost his military touch. He acted as an advisor in the British Army, and begged that Cornwallis flee Yorktown in favor of a landlocked base instead of one bound by land and sea. This, however, lead to the eminent downfall of the British Army. They were surrounded by the French Navy by sea, and the Continental Army by land. This lead to the surrender at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.LegacyArnolds legacy is best represented by Benjamin Franklins quote, Judas sold only one man, Arnold sold three million. Biographers over the times have characterized him as a demonic and miserable figure. Some have even told stories about how he entered the world as the antichrist. Benedict Arnolds military gains shouldnt be overlooked, however. His impact on the Revolutionary War goes without saying, albeit both positiv e and negative. He played the most significant role in the turning point of the war, along with being one of the bravest and most intelligent military leaders of all time. Unfortunately, in the end, his negatives greatly outweigh his positives. His legacy has been so tarnished, that a memorial commemorating his honor and valor cannot show his face. Instead, it shows his leg, commemorating the Battle of Saratoga and all he did for his nation that day. It reads, In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental army, who was desperately wounded on this spot, winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution, and for himself the rank of Major General. He deserted the country that had learned to embrace him. He deserted the country that turned out to be the greatest country to ever exist. And he deserted those who believed in him, like his brothers on the battlefield and his children back home. Benedict Arnold was the first traitor in the history of the United States of America, and hopefully there will be no more. http//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/56/JeffersonDavisBenedictArnoldTreasonCartoon1865.jpg/240px-JeffersonDavisBenedictArnoldTreasonCartoon1865.jpghttp//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e0/Arnold-boot.jpg/220px-Arnold-boot.jpgSignificanceWords cannot describe the conditional relation of Benedict Arnolds impact on the United States of America. You could ask the majority of the people in the country, and the very thought of him will make some people gag. How someone could rise to the prowess of being a Revolutionary hero to the pit of being the most despised man in American history is beyond me.On the positive side of his significance, Arnold exemplifies all characteristics of being a great General. Whether its his bravery to throw himself and others into a situation with confidence shows his great ability as a military mind. Without the confidence to throw yourself into desperate situations, how could you possibly win over the observe and confidence of your men? His military mind is unmatched in regards to other Generals of the Continental Army. George Washington is revered in the United States as the Golden Boy. In hindsight, he was nothing more than an average military leader. Washington overshadows Arnold all because of Arnolds inability to stay true to the Revolutionary cause. Lastly, Arnold wasnt afraid to stand up for what he believed in. Arnold had an ability to actively express his opinions, which most of the time were right. Even in the time he was down and out on himself, he attempted to help the cause by expressing his knowledgeable opinion, one thing many people dont have the ability to do. Arnolds contributions for the construction of the United States shouldnt be overlooked because what he actually did was truly astounding.On the negative side, Arnold is significant because he is, quite clearly, one of the most hated men in American history. He is an exa mple for all people in the world, not just the United States, as to what exactly you DO NOT want to be. Arnold shows the world why you shouldnt turn your back on your country, it tarnishes your name forever, and you will never have the chance to ameliorate for your mistakes. Not one person should aspire to turn on your country it makes you seem to be a coward and spineless. Arnold is also significant because it shows us how we must respect and treat our military with the utmost concern and respect. Albeit Arnold was frequently outspoken and a diva, he recognized early on that the early Unites States didnt properly recognize all of its prized military officers.In the end, Arnolds reasoning for deserting the United States doesnt justify him doing it. Although he wasnt respected as the military genius he knew he was, Arnold was too easily tempted by money and by concrete things. His temptation for money and greed overshadowed the love and respect for his country that all men and women alike should have. Not just in the United States, but in all other corners of the Globe as well.What-IfsWhat-If 1 What if Benedict Arnold hadnt changed sides?Had Benedict Arnold not changed sides, he most certainly would have been revered up in the same ranks as George Washington. Washingtons accomplishments are incredible, no doubt, but Arnolds are a close rival. The impact Arnold played during the war was something most people probably dont know. You could ask someone about Arnold, and they would probably call him a traitor because he gave Britain information. Little do most people know is that he was in many opinions the greatest General of the Revolutionary War. If you look at how he climbed in the ranks of the Continental Army, you would see him go from just the Commander of his local militia into a Major General in the span of about three years. In todays military, that is something that takes years, decades even. Had Arnold remained true to the United States, he would be rev ered as a hero, and up in the ranks with the likes of Franklin, Jefferson, Hancock, John Adams, Sam Adams, and Alexander Hamilton. He would be attributed with helping build this country not through talk or on a piece of paper like most of the Founding Fathers, but through his bravery and active duty in the Revolutionary War. Had he remained true to the United States, there would be memorials in his honor. For example, the one at Saratoga wouldnt be just an unspecified leg it could be of him stand up on a hill symbolizing his complete domination of the most crucial battle during the Revolutionary War. It could have been Arnold who would have strategized the defeat of the British at Yorktown, that would surely make him an American hero, wouldnt it? Its sad to see such a great General fall from fame in the manner of which Arnold did. He couldve become the most iconic spectacle in all of American history. If only he couldve had the vision that Washington had for this country, or Jeffe rson, for that matter, he quite literally could have been great.What-If 2 What if Arnolds scheme had worked?Had Arnolds plan of giving up West Point to the British worked, it could have completely changed the outcome of the war. West point was considered to be so valuable due to its prime location, right on the Hudson River. West Point was the most wanted object by the British. They saw West Point as a crucial port where they could control what went in and what came out. The spot was hand selected by Washington because of its great natural fortifications and geographic spot. Had the British succeeded in their attempt to capture West Point, momentum could have greatly shifted in their favor. Americans would be disappointed and low on morale because one of their own had plotted their downfall, and the British could have capitalized by crushing the demoralized Continental Army. To this day, we could be under British control, having our daily tea and crumpets along with having a monarch ial body in our government (Weird to think about, huh?). This is why it was so important that Arnold was caught, however. That very moment in our history could have very well dictated the very outcome of the war. If not for Arnolds plan being foiled, The United States of America may not exist. Talk about something that would not only impact us, but

Movie Analysis On Wag The Dog Media Essay

Movie Analysis On Wag The Dog Media probeThe movie entitled Wag the Dog was directed by Barry Levinson which deals with the relationship between the president the media and the customary in the country but most importantly, it nidus on the abuse of political powers by the leaders.The film is from 1997 and its timing frame is active 1 hour 37 minutes long. The title of the film comes from the maxim in America why does a dog wag its tail? In natural sense to wag a tail simply re handation to shake it back and forth, which dogs do any time they are happy. If the tail is wagging the dog, then the consequence will be that the dog will be do to be stupid. In short term the tail wagging the dog signified or refers to something that has greater meaning such as a struggle beingness driven by something less such as sex g handge. The description of the title set the satirical tone of the movie which is a comedy about how public opinion was manipulated by means of the means of media. T hrough this film, people are now enlightened to know what the government whoremonger do with a half-size false-flag media.Never the less the film entails about a president who was officially accused of having a sex with a young teenage girl who live on to a order related to the girls scouts in the white house two weeks before the presidential election, which a media expert was called upon to fix the problem by causation or creating a fake war with Albania to draw the public attention away from what has happen. The media specialists were able to divert the whole sex scandal situation through the film producer named Stanley Motss (played by Dustin Hoffman). we can see that through this movie, media uses images, symbols and signs in order to divert the publics attention on problems that may non be germane(predicate) to them but what they may need to complete their lives. This method was derived from the concept of the period called the postmodern where people brains were soaked in such signs, symbols and images. This has also do the public to think that it is reality, mean while it is not but the medias version of reality. It is quite an understanding that Motss uses this style to derive the public attention away from the presidents sex scandal in the movie. The movie success lies on the believe that film does not fail to explain its basic ideas and impressions.In the beginning part of the movie, the background was Stygian and mysterious as Conrad the commotion doctorthe twisting doctor the spin doctor the spin doctor and the presidents advisors Robert DeNiro were having a conversation concerning the issue of the sex scandal and screen out out how to divert the public attention from the issue. With this, we can see that a specific desktop is used to infer the secrecy of a dark setting as most unveiled plans are made underground without the notice of the public. This ways is represented the same way as in the present eld where most gang members will do the same. Already we can see Conrads character as being too much demanding, pessimistic and also trenchant as he was the one who brought the formation of the fake war with Albania. He brought the idea and was the leader of the whole operation and he makes sure that all the plans went hale as planned. Stanley Motts is seen as a Hollywood producer that Conrad visits to help him on producing the fake war. Stanley Motts acts comparably to any otherwise film producer in the present days as all they ever thought about is acknowledgment (credit) towards a particular project to become famous by achieving something great and to be known.Moreover Conrad and Motts had same ideas of creating a fake war to divert the sexual disaster away from the public. As the saying goes, Great minds think alike, This apply to other politician, Conrad has been in the system for a while and he knows how to cut the grass as he offers a place of being an ambassador to Motts however Motts wants to do it as a pleasure. This shows how politician can turn ones mind by mentioning the ways of giving a reward which in this case we have seen that the position of an ambassador is guarantee. Moreover, whatever the politician says cannot be seen as a believable fact even through their line of expertise as they try to spin information on soul, we can see that Conrad plays his own part on Motts to motivate him to produce his fake war. From this point of view, we can say that Conrad is seen as the presidents spin doctor because the president relies on Conrad to make the situation change away from the public connoting the close relationship existing by the president and Conrad.During the media scene of structure the war, a young teenager girl was used, to act as an Albanian girl, in fact she is an actress being given such a role to run through an empty studio. However, the young girl was holding a bag containing chips instead of a white have as Motts could not find the kitten he needed. In the o rder hands the white kitten was edited by the use of technology instead of the bag of chips in which she was holding, this is to show how media can easily be used to play around with images, by using modern technology which the viewers will not have an idea whether it substance to the reality or not. Moreover the media has made us to understand that it is not everything that we see or hear that is truth. The white kitten that was edited signifies goodness, peace and lucidness onto the public and makes them more interested in the lost girl at war and not the presidents sex scandal. Latter on the village, sirens and sound effects of somebody screaming were added. This information was played on the evening news and it touches so many hearts of the American people. They unknowingly trusted what they are seeing because it is on the news. at this point we can see how the media was use to quickly changes peoples minds into another dramatic concern at hand which is similar in our contemp orary society where we get soaked into some certain advertisements, such as a magazine avert were you actually see most of the models, and you will be thump because they are considered to be beautiful.Furthermore Conrad and Anne were having a brief talk with a CIA agent claiming that the Albanian war was all a trick. We can see that politics is shown within the movie where Conrad spins and change the whole statement convincing the CIA agent that the war was real. At the same time, we see another side of Anne, as she does not seem to be involved in the operation which shows the weak side of her character due to the penalties that she may face if she is caught. Another sign of peace and purity was shown during the producing of the war where a young Albanian girl offers the president an offering of helping her and her capture. At the same time, the president offers his coat to the young teenage girls mother which indicates that he is giving her shelter and pity towards her feelings due her suffering in the war.Among many manipulations of the two devise are the creation of a fake war with the poor Albanian villagers, stage event congratulating with the president on his effort to Albania and the final a public inter-relation campaign used to sympathize for the death spend after the fictionalized war was put to end by the CIA.In conclusion the film Wag the Dog is an interesting and suspicious film that have all told manages to side up political matters of our modern society. If our entire connection with the reality of politics is through the means of media, or if politics is separated from our ordinary initiation to the point that we only co-operate through that terrible little box (media), truth will become a frighteningly subjective concept. Moreover, the film has also made us to understand that, we are nothing but pencil in the hands of our manipulators this means that it is not every information we hear that amount to truth.

The Futures of Scholarly Publishing :: Education Library Reading Essays

Traditionally, university libraries, flush with funds, have been the mainstay of scholarly publishing. They bought all the latest, most important books and maintained subscriptions to all the important journals. But in todays environment of budget cuts and rising tuitions, many libraries (especially those at public universities) are being compel to cut back. Retailers, meanwhile, are increasingly corporate. In an age in which book-selling is dominated by chains like Borders and Barnes and Noble, it is increasingly difficult for scholarly books to reach their market. uncertain of being able to recoup their losses, publishers are less and less willing to take on academic booksespecially those which do not have agile appeal to a broad audience or are unlikely to be used as textbooks. Meanwhile, university faculty in the humanities whose tenure prospects direct on being able to cite book credits are scrambling to be publishedand are finding fewer and fewer publishers wil ling to cause their work. These are just a few of the factors behind the current crisis in academic publishing. In a meeting of the American Council of Learned Societies last year, panelists Carlos J. Alonso, Cathy N. Davidson, tin M. Unsworth, and Lynne Withey discussed these and other important issues in-depth, and their remarks were published in an ACLS occasional melodic theme entitled Crises and Opportunities The Futures of Scholarly Publishing. The panelists were a diverse group, representing several different perspectives on the publishing crisis. Carlos Alonso is a Professor of Romance Languages and Chair of the Department of Romance Languages at the University of Pennsylvania Cathy Davidson is Vice-Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies and Director of the hindquarters Hope Franklin Humanities Institute at Duke University John Unsworth, at the time of last years ACLS meeting, was Director of the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities at the Univer sity of Virginia and Lynne Withey is Director of the University of California Press. This paper addresses each of their remarks in turn, closing by relating those remarks to the experience of the Clemson University Digital Press. In his remarks to the ACLS, Carlos Alonso addresses two main issues in scholarly publishing the relationship between event and tenure, and the difficult issue of funding scholarly publication at a time when most public universities are facing significant budget cuts.

Gasoline Essay -- essays research papers

GASOLINE TOXIC COMPOUNDS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTIn the early 20th Century gaseous state was being produced by oil companies using distillates from petroleum. Unfortunately, this was not enough energy to power the new atutomobiles that would soon be arriving. More chemicals, addetives and research had to be done. virtually 1910 laws were passed that prohibited gasoline from being stored. Perhaps the car industries were growing so rapidly, it was then the government began to take bill to regulate the use of gasoline for the aegis of the environment. Lead and benzene ar toxins found in gasoline that are confirmed to be regulated humans carcinogens. Carcinogens have been tested also to aim cancer found in humans and animals. This paper will determine and discuss these deuce types of toxins identified in gasoline, the dangers of these toxins and how they affect the environment in which we have it off in. When gasoline is burned it releases a form of energy of hydro gen and carbon. This energy forms water and carbon dioxide. Carbon moxide whitethorn be formed as well(p) if the compnents are not precise and complete. Gasoline is said to contain over 500 hydrocarbons. There are two types of hydrocarbons saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons are somewhat stable found in leaded gasolines and burn a clean flame in the air. On the other hand, unsaturated hydrocarbons are unsound and tend to burn a dark smoky flame. Studies have proven lead poisoning can be obta... Gasoline Essay -- essays research papers GASOLINE TOXIC COMPOUNDS AND ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTIn the early 20th Century gasoline was being produced by oil companies using distillates from petroleum. Unfortunately, this was not enough energy to power the new atutomobiles that would soon be arriving. More chemicals, addetives and research had to be done. Around 1910 laws were passed that prohibited gasoline from being stored. Perhaps the car industries were growing so rapidly, it was then the government began to take note to regulate the use of gasoline for the protection of the environment. Lead and benzene are toxins found in gasoline that are confirmed to be regulated human carcinogens. Carcinogens have been tested also to induce cancer found in humans and animals. This paper will determine and discuss these two types of toxins identified in gasoline, the dangers of these toxins and how they affect the environment in which we live in. When gasoline is burned it releases a form of energy of hydrogen and carbon. This energy forms water and carbon dioxide. Carbon moxide may be formed as well if the compnents are not precise and complete. Gasoline is said to contain over 500 hydrocarbons. There are two types of hydrocarbons saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. Saturated hydrocarbons are somewhat stable found in leaded gasolines and burn a clean flame in the air. On the other hand, unsaturated hydrocarbons are unstabl e and tend to burn a dark smoky flame. Studies have proven lead poisoning can be obta...

Essay --

Why Mt. Lassen is what it is todayLassen Peak, also k nowadaysn as Mount Lassen, is the southernmost progressive volcano in the cascade down Range. It is part of the Cascade Volcanic Arc which is an arc that covers southwestern British Columbia to northern California. Located in the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California, Lassen rises 2,000 meters above the surrounding terrain and has a volume of 0.5 cubic miles, making it one of the largest lava domes on Earth. It was created on the destroyed north vitamin Eern side of now gone Mount Tehama, a stratovolcano that was at least 1,000 feet higher than Lassen Peak.Lassen Peak was named in honor of the Danish blacksmith Peter Lassen, who guided immigrants past this peak to the capital of California Valley during the 1830s. His trail never found global long-term use because it was considered unsafe. This trail was replaced by the Nobles Emigrant Trail, named for the guide, William Nobles. In 1864, Helen Tanner Brodt became the firs t woman to tump over the summit of Lassen Peak. A tarn lake on Lassen Peak was named Lake Helen in her honor. In the 1914 to 1921 time zone, Lassen Peak emerged from inactivity with a series of steam explosions, dacite lava flows, and volcanic mud flows. there were 200 to 400 volcanic eruptions during this period of activity. Because of the eruptive activity and the areas brilliant volcanic beauty, Lassen Peak, Cinder Cone and the area surrounding were designated as the Lassen Volcanic depicted object Park on August 9, 1916. Mt. Lassen eruptionsOn May 22, 1915, an explosive eruption at Lassen Peak devastated nearby areas and rained volcanic ash farther 200 miles to the east This explosion was the most powerful in a series of eruptions from 1914 through 1917. ... ...e than 30 volcanoes that have erupted over the past 300,000 years in the Lassen Peak volcanic area.6. Lassen Peak has the highest cognise winter snowfall amounts in California. There is an average yearbook snowfall of 660 in, and in some years, more than 1,000 inches of snowfall at its handbag altitude of 8,250 feet at Lake Helen.7. The Mount Lassen area receives more precipitation than anywhere in the Cascade Range south of the Three Sisters volcanoes in Oregon.8. The heavy annual snowfall on Lassen Peak creates fourteen permanent patches of snow on and around the mountain top, despite Lassens rather modest elevation, but no glaciers. 9.Lightning has been known to strike the summit of the volcano frequently during summer thunderstorms.10.Lassen Peak and Mount St. Helens are the only two volcanoes in the contiguous United States to erupt during the twentieth century.

The Sputnik Satellite Essay -- Space Satellites

Works Cited IncompleteSputnik The Satellite That Inspired GenerationsIntroductionIn 1950, a conclave of American and European scientists decided to establish a worldwide program to promote research and understanding of the world around them. They decided that July 1957 to December 1958 would be called the International Geophysical Year, or IGY. They hoped that drawing attention to geophysical matters would stimulate new projects and inventions, and increase the knowledge the world had of the planet, its atmosphere, and the things that lay beyond. This focus galvanized many countries to draw new innovations in science and technology.At the same time, the United States and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics were involved in the Cold War. They were competing against one another, constantly onerous to show that their country (and therefore their form of government and ideals) was the better choice. They were competing for influence over the rest of the world. Eventually the USSR and Communism lost, notwithstanding far more of the essence(predicate) results came out of this competition instead.Development of SputnikThe idea that a satellite could be put into orbit around the Earth was introduced to the scientific community in 1903. Konstantin Tsiolkovsky showed that this could be done, but his work was all mathematical. In 1948, another Russian named Mikhail Tikhonravov talked to the famed scientist Sergei Korolev about turning this theory into an actual working device. Tikhonravov presented his ideas to the Academy of Artillery Sciences, but they refused to support the project. The Academy president Anatoli Blagonravov, however, could not get the idea that the project would have huge value out of his head. Eventually he brought the p... ...rsity. Accessed May 22, 2003. URL 6. Jorden, William J. Soviet Fires Earth Satellite Into Space? New York Times, October 5, 1957. URL Accessed May 22, 2003. 7. Launius, Roger D. Sputnik and the Origins of the Space Age. 1997. NASA. Accessed 2 Apr. 2003. 8. Plumb, Robert K. Satellite is First Step Into Space. New York Times, October 5, 1957. URL Accessed May 22, 2003. 9. Siddiqi, Asif A. Korolev, Sputnik, and The International Geophysical Year. 1997. NASA. Accessed 2 Apr. 2003. URL 10. Sullivan, Walter. Scientists Wonder if Shot Nears Moon. New York Times, November 5, 1957. URL Accessed May 22, 2003. 11. Wright, Michael. Sputnik First Artificial Satellite. 30 Aug. 1997. Accessed 2 Apr. 2003 URL

An Innocent Man Wronged in Oleanna Essay -- David Mamet

Sometimes in that location ar events in our lives that we cannot control. These events occur, more or less, due to our own actions. Sometimes, however, we must come to terms with our inability to underwrite certain situations and also to reach our goals. These events are facts of life everyone some people cant run as fast, or lift as much, or write as well. It is during these times that we must focus on what we can do well, and try to direct our goals around those features that make us good at something. In David Mamets Oleanna, stool loses his job and his ho social function due to Carols ignorance, lack of self-confidence, and overall inability to come to terms with her own short-comings as a student. This play epitomizes an act of complete adulteration based solely on one individuals failure to accept that she just might not be good at school--or at least Johns class.In an attempt to help a young student named Carol, a professor named John loses his house and his job. All of the blame rests on Carols shoulders, for it was she that allowed her delusions of grandeur and success (being without the necessity skills to attain them) to ruin the life of man who has dedicated his life to helping students do just that. Carols ignorance plays a big role in this tragedy. From the very ancestry of this play, it is apparent that Carol does not understand the information given in class, but it is her unwillingness to even try that makes her at fault. People who came here. To receipt something they didnt knowTo be helpedSo someone would help them (12). Carol is begging John to understand that she is stupid. She doesnt pauperization help in the sense that someone might want help writing a paper. She wants it hand fed to her, and education is a process that involves the teacher pointing the way, not carrying someone to the end. Carols misconceptions of how college is supposed to work can notwithstanding be result of not having been exposed to the realities of highe r education, but I believe that she just doesnt have the skills she needs to succeed. Nobody tells me anything. And I sit therein the corner. In the back (14). This is an example of the total lack of motivation that Carol has to learn. Her ignorance leads her to believe that a college education is supposed to hand fed. She just sits there, in the back, without an attempt to even try to learn on her own. We all need help form time to tim... ...hool. They have lived their lives fearing that the system of education has decided that they are failures. This group has only one goal, and that is to succeed. Their success, however, has a price. Those people who stand in the way re their enemies. Johns fate was a result of Carol finding this group, and allowing them to use her as a pawn in their own sick, twisted agenda. All the members of this group suffer from the same illness that ails Carol ignorance, lack of self-confidence, and an ability to dole out with their own shortcomings as st udents.Carol represents a group of people that are the destruction of the higher education system. Their complete disregard for societal structure cost a good teacher his job and his home. It seems that today, when we are unable to get what we want by earning it, we have to destroy and tear down the barriers in our way. This is scarcely what Carol does, and the manner in which she executes her plan would leave most students to wonder why even try? Works CitedMamet, David. Oleanna A Play in devil Acts. The Best Plays of 1992-1993. Eds. Otis L. Guernsey, Jr. and Jeffrey Sweet. New York Limelight, 1993. 150-164