King George: What Was His Problem?

Nonfiction | Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2005

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Chapters 3-4

Chapters 5-6

Chapters 7-8

Chapter 9

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

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Discussion Questions

Chapters 7-8Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 7 Summary: “Showdown at Saratoga”

In 1777, British General John Burgoyne, with King George’s endorsement, aimed to divide America by attacking New York from both the north and south, isolating New England. Despite Washington’s knowledge of the plan, his hands were tied by British troops in New York City and concerns over a potential attack on Philadelphia, necessitating him to keep his army nearby. Thus, Washington entrusted the defense against Burgoyne to General Benedict Arnold and the northern forces. Meanwhile, under the pretense of a picnic near the Delaware River with his grandsons, Benjamin Franklin covertly left America for France. Leveraging his influence in France, he sought French support for the American revolutionary cause. He enjoyed immense popularity in France and successfully persuaded the French to support the American cause.

In July, Burgoyne accomplished the initial phase of his plan by recapturing Fort Ticonderoga. Yet, his demands for luxuries and American sabotage of bridges slowed his advance to a mile a day. General Howe, originally meant to lead a southern attack on New York in coordination with Burgoyne, opted instead to capture Philadelphia, a decision that undermined Burgoyne’s strategy.

In September 1777, Arnold and the Americans fortified their position in Saratoga, with the help of a Polish engineer, Kos, who joined the American fight. On September 19, Burgoyne attacked. Under General Horatio Gates, the northern army adopted a cautious defense, contrasting with Benedict Arnold’s push for offensive action. Gates eventually allowed Arnold to lead skirmishes outside the fort, thwarting Burgoyne’s direct assault. Facing defeat, Burgoyne attacked again on October 7, with Arnold, disobeying Gates, charging into the battlefield and leading the Americans to a decisive victory. As Burgoyne faced defeat, British General Henry Clinton was en route to assist him, and messenger Daniel Taylor was dispatched to tell Burgoyne this encouraging news. However, Taylor was captured by the Americans, and Burgoyne never received the message, leading to the British surrender.

This victory at Saratoga became a major American triumph, influencing the war’s trajectory. News of the victory at Saratoga bolstered Benjamin Franklin’s efforts in France and convinced French King Louis XVI to negotiate a treaty with the USA. Despite the victory being a collective effort, Gates received most of the credit, overshadowing Arnold’s key contributions.

Chapter 8 Summary: “Will We Ever Win This War?”

In September 1777, as Burgoyne surrendered in the north, British General Howe captured America’s new capital, Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee to New York. Facing the winter of 1777, Washington’s army camped near Philadelphia at Valley Forge, where over 2,500 soldiers died from harsh conditions. While the American soldiers suffered food and clothing shortages at Valley Forge, the British occupied the comfortable residences of Philadelphia, including Benjamin Franklin’s house. John André, a British officer, took up residence there and became acquainted with Peggy Shippen, a young and attractive Loyalist. Meanwhile, Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, began training the Continental soldiers at Valley Forge, significantly improving their battle readiness as the weather warmed and morale improved. In June 1778, British forces marched out of Philadelphia to face the Americans at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey; here, the revitalized American forces defeated the British army.

Across the Atlantic, John Adams joined Benjamin Franklin in France, where Franklin’s popularity continued to secure French support for the American cause. This included acquiring French ships for the Continental Navy, one of which was commanded by John Paul Jones. Known for bold tactics, Jones captured British vessels and, in September 1779, famously refused to surrender to the British ship Serapis, securing a pivotal American victory.

Still recovering from injuries at Saratoga, Benedict Arnold was sent by Washington to oversee Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, he met and married the Loyalist Peggy Shippen, leading a lavish lifestyle beyond his means. Disillusioned by financial struggles and resentful that General Gates received credit for the victory at Saratoga, Arnold considered defecting to the British for money. Peggy, who had previously befriended British officer John André, an assistant to British General Clinton, facilitated the collusion between Arnold and the British.

By the summer of 1780, Arnold had assumed command of West Point, a critical American fort on the Hudson River in New York. He planned to weaken its defenses for an easy British capture, potentially ensnaring George Washington in a trap. Arnold’s plot unraveled due to a critical error: He insisted on a face-to-face meeting with André to finalize their plans. André was captured while returning to New York, with the plans for the attack on West Point concealed in his boots. The discovery of these plans exposed Arnold’s conspiracy. Upon learning of André’s capture, Arnold quickly fled West Point. Meanwhile, Washington, on his way to inspect the fort and anticipating a meeting with the “famously beautiful” Peggy, grew suspicious upon arrival. The discovery of the plans in André’s possession, all in Arnold’s handwriting, confirmed the betrayal. Washington ordered André’s execution, while Arnold managed to escape to British-held New York. Peggy successfully claimed ignorance to Washington before joining Arnold in New York City. This incident revealed the American Revolution’s fragility, now in its seventh year.

Chapters 7-8 Analysis

Chapters 7 and 8 divulge the strategic and personal dynamics that influenced the American Revolutionary War. The British Plan, led by General John Burgoyne and endorsed by King George, aimed to divide America by seizing control of New York, thereby isolating New England from the rest of the colonies. This strategy put George Washington in a difficult position, as he was torn between countering Burgoyne’s aggression in the north and safeguarding Philadelphia. Washington’s predicament exemplifies the challenges of wartime leadership, where choices involve significant trade-offs and leaders must balance immediate threats with broader strategic objectives. By staying in Philadelphia, Washington appointed Benedict Arnold to confront Burgoyne’s forces in the north. Arnold’s military forced Burgoyne’s surrender at Saratoga, a fate that might have been avoided had Daniel Taylor, a British messenger, not been captured. Taylor was on his way to alert General Burgoyne of the incoming British reinforcements when he was captured by the Americans. This incident, an influential yet lesser-known story of the American Revolution, shows that the fate of entire conflicts could hinge on the luck of a single individual. Likewise, it illuminates the unpredictable and fragile nature of wartime communications. The British surrender at Saratoga, and, by extension, a significant chapter of American history, might have unfolded differently had Taylor delivered his message. Through such narratives, it is possible to understand the chaos and contingencies at the heart of warfare, illustrating that history is crafted by a multitude of contributors.

Benedict Arnold, serving under Horatio Gates, emerged as a hero at Saratoga. However, Arnold’s contributions went largely unrecognized, with much of the acclaim being bestowed upon Gates. Arnold’s lack of recognition, presaged his disillusionment and infamous betrayal, illustrating the theme of the effect of individual personalities on historical outcomes. Peggy Shippen, a notable Loyalist in Philadelphia, pointedly influenced Arnold’s defection. Her notorious charm and beauty enthralled Arnold pushing him into severe debt to win her affections. Ultimately, Shippen’s influence on Arnold, convincing him to defect to the British, underscores The Impact of Individuals on Historical Events.

The American forces’ winter at Valley Forge, typified by extreme suffering and a shortage of resources, exemplifies the difficulties of leadership and governance. This was in sharp contrast to the British comfort in Philadelphia. At Valley Forge, Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, emerged as a lesser known but decisive figure. His innovative training transformed the Continental Army, boosting the soldiers’ discipline, tactics, and morale. Von Steuben’s strategic guidance was crucial in revitalizing an under-supplied and demoralized army, leading to discernable improvements in battlefield performance. This transformation reveals the American forces’ indomitable spirit, underlining the importance of effective leadership and training in overcoming daunting challenges.

Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic mission to France held immense significance for the revolutionary movement. Obtaining international support was vital for the fledgling nation’s quest for independence. Possessing a unique blend of charisma, intellect, and political savvy, Franklin’s diplomatic mission conveyed The Challenges of Leadership and Governance; it was a strategic effort to gain European support amidst intercontinental rivalries. Franklin’s adept diplomacy, particularly in leveraging the victory at Saratoga, persuaded France to back the American cause, cementing a crucial alliance. This support, crystallized in the 1778 Treaty of Alliance, brought military aid, financial assistance, and supplies for the Continental Army. His triumphant endeavors in France illustrate the function of international diplomacy in the American Revolution.