Heroes and Villains - Benedict Arnold and Social Mobility in the American Revolution

This lecture uses Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plot as a case study of how regionalism, social rank, gender, military promotion, and Continental Congress politics shaped the American Revolution. It follows Arnold’s career, his collaboration with Peggy Shippen and John André, the plot’s collapse, and its aftermath.

Syllabus

- Chapter 1. Introduction: Complications within the Continental Congress
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- Chapter 2. Opportunities for Social Mobility in the American Revolution
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- Chapter 3. Benedict Arnold's Early Frustrating Military Career
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- Chapter 4. Arnold's Marriage with Peggy Shippen and Plans for Spying
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- Chapter 5. The Unraveling of Arnold's Plot
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- Chapter 6. An Example out of John Andre and the Fate of the Arnolds
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