Hello and welcome to a history of the United States. Episode 150, the Revolutionary South.

Last time out, we looked at the northern theatre of the War of American Independence,

which gradually petered out as the French, then the Spanish, joined the war.

I said that this week we'd look at the South, but before we do, I want to cover one last thing in the north.

Benedict Arnold.

We've covered Benedict Arnold, the American General, several times during the war so far.

There was his role in the invasion of Canada, in defending Lake Champlain, but these are not the reasons that Benedict Arnold

is one of the most well-known names of the American Revolution.

While the French alliance benefited the American war effort, Arnold claimed that this caused

him to doubt the American cause, preferring for the Americans to reunite with the British rather than having a close relationship

with the French. At least this was his excuse. There are other theories for Arnold's actions,

including a feeling he hadn't been appreciated for his efforts. Arnold was made commander of West Point in the summer of 1780, and Arnold undertook efforts

to betray it to the British. He planned to deliver plans of the fortification to the British,

and he let the fort fall into a state of disrepair.

On September the 25th, Washington was making his way through the

Hudson Valley and decided to visit West Point. Hamilton was sent along with James McKenry,

ahead to prepare for Washington's arrival. While Hamilton, McKenry and Arnold were having breakfast, word arrived that a spy had been captured

with information about West Point's defences. Arnold became flustered and went to say goodbye to his

wife before fleeing, realising that his plot had been undone. When Washington and the rest

of the officers arrived, they were quite confused by

Arnold's absence, but ate food, and then prepared to visit West Point itself, while Hamilton

stayed behind to deal with his papers, although he was distracted by Arnold's wife, Margaret,

...