Nathaniel Philbrick created a trilogy of the American Revolution. The first of this trilogy I read sometime ago, Bunker Hill: a City, a Siege, a Revolution. I just finished the second installment of this trilogy, Valiant Ambition. Let me say, I am a history buff. I have read a great deal about historical facts and myths. After reading Valiant Ambition, I must propose that all American history classes require reading of this well documented historical account of George Washington and Benedict Arnold. The map illustrations provided within the book are spectacular. The reader can follow every path and every battle that Washington and Arnold faced. These maps drew me further into the script and satisfied my love of history.
The story of Benedict Arnold has been told over and over countless times. Through the use of numerous sources, Philbrick paints a truer picture of the man many referred to as a traitor. As Philbrick tells, Arnold was a man so in need of affirmation, that when he did not get it from his brothers-in-arms, he turned to the enemy.
Although Washington respected Arnold, the U.S. Congress did not give Arnold credit for his many victories and bravery. Indeed, Arnold was wounded twice in the same leg in two separate battles. The U.S. Congress would not even pay Arnold for his financial burdens incurred during the war. Washington was of the opinion that Arnold should be promoted to a more suitable rank. However, the U.S. Congress passed him over for less experienced and younger generals. Who could blame Arnold for feeling betrayed? So, Arnold became indifferent to the cause. Eventually, he believed that the British would respect and compensate him more that the U.S. Congress. So, he turned!
Philbrick also describes Washington as history should accurately portray him; uncertain, testy, and lucky. Yet, Washington was also a master at leadership. He knew how to keep the Army alive despite many setbacks. He continued believing in the cause. History often paints Washington as a bigger than life figure. While it labels Arnold as a simple traitor. As Philbrick documents, these two figures were so much more than that.
In the end, Philbrick leaves the reader with the greatest “what if’s” in American history. Did Arnold’s treason actually bring the nation together, making him a poster child for the cause? What if Arnold succeeded in turning over West Point to the British? What if Arnold succeeded at all with his treachery? Would the war have ended differently? These are questions not asked in an American history class. We leave our children believing Washington could do not wrong and Arnold was an evil man.
I am thankful for an historian like Philbrick to set the record straight. I can’t wait to read the third and final trilogy in his masterpiece.
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