From Tension to Victory
From Tension to Victory
Overcoming Civilian and Martial Differences on Honor and Virtue during the Later War Years
This part studies the persistence of the old order of honor, dishonor, and the loss of virtue during the middle–late years of the war. It presents the varying conceptions of honor and virtue that existed, and the internal and societal battles between the old and new concepts. This chapter also notes contestation between within the martial and civilian society over who best exemplified America’s lofty principles—a conflict that remained until Benedict Arnold’s treason at West Point refocused the country. It advances a new claim that Arnold’s treason was vital to America’s winning the war by helping to formalize a unified image of dishonor and thereby revive the country’s focus on egalitarian ethics.
Keywords: Conway Cabal, Horatio Gates, Martial-Civilian Tension, Benedict Arnold, Charles Lee, Battle of Monmouth, West Point, Treason, Newburgh Conspiracy, Washington’s resignation
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