Episode 208: Nathaniel Philbrick, Turning Points of the American Revolution

by Emily SneffOctober 16, 2018

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2018 marks the 241st anniversary of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga and the 240th anniversary of the Franco-American Alliance. But was the victory that prompted the French to join the American war effort, truly the “turning point” of the War for Independence?

National Book Award-winner Nathaniel Philbrick joins us to explore the two events he sees as better turning points in the American War for Independence: Benedict Arnold’s treason and the French Navy’s participation in the war.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Ben Franklin’s World is a production of the Omohundro Institute.

Episode Summary

National Book Award-winner Nathaniel Philbrick joins us to explore the two events he sees as the true turning points in the American War for Independence: Benedict Arnold’s treason and the French Navy’s participation in the war.

As we explore the American Revolution and its turning points, Nat reveals the important role the sea has played in early American history and the American Revolution; Details about the Battle of Saratoga; And, why Nat sees Benedict Arnold’s treason and the French Navy’s participation in the war as turning points in the Americans’ quest for independence.

What You’ll Discover

The importance of the sea to early American history
What caused the stalemate during the War for Independence
The importance of inland lakes and rivers to the war effort
Benedict Arnold and the Saratoga Campaign
The Battle of Valcour Island, 1776
The Battle of Saratoga as a turning point of the war
Arnold’s wound at Saratoga
Arnold’s command of Philadelphia in 1778
Benedict Arnold’s act of treason
Arnold’s treason as a turning point of the war
Participation of the French Navy in the American war effort
The French war effort in North America
Plans and planning for the Yorktown Campaign
The Battle of Cape Henry, 1781
The Battle of the Virginia Capes, 1781
The Siege of Yorktown
The importance of contingency

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Time Warp Question

In your opinion, what might have happened if George Washington had recommended Benedict Arnold for a command and commission in the fledgling United States Navy? How would the American War for Independence have been different? Would the Americans have needed the French fleet?