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The British strategic plan to divide the Thirteen Colonies involved a two-way pincer movement towards Philadelphia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The British strategic plan involved a three-way pincer movement towards Albany, New York, to isolate New England. Philadelphia was General Howe's alternative objective, which led to the failure of the southern pincer.
General William Howe's southern pincer of the British plan failed because he chose to capture Philadelphia instead of advancing up the Hudson Valley.
Answer: True
Explanation: The southern pincer, intended to advance up the Hudson Valley from New York City, never commenced because General William Howe opted instead to capture Philadelphia.
Burgoyne's advance towards Albany was slowed by American destruction of roads and dwindling supplies, prompting a foraging mission.
Answer: True
Explanation: Burgoyne's advance towards Albany was significantly hampered by American destruction of a key road and dwindling supplies, creating a critical need for provisions and resources that prompted the foraging mission.
Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's foraging mission was initially ordered to the Connecticut River valley to acquire horses, but the target was later changed to Bennington.
Answer: True
Explanation: Baum was initially ordered to proceed to the Connecticut River valley to procure horses, but Burgoyne later altered the objective to a supply depot at Bennington based on intelligence reports.
The British initially believed the Southern Colonies were more rebellious than the New England Colonies, leading to their strategy to divide the colonies.
Answer: False
Explanation: At the outset of their revised strategy, the British had largely abandoned hope for the rebellious New England Colonies and instead believed the Southern Colonies were more loyal, thus their strategy aimed to isolate New England.
The American destruction of a key road was a deliberate tactic that significantly slowed Burgoyne's advance and contributed to his supply issues.
Answer: True
Explanation: The American destruction of a key road was a deliberate tactical maneuver that significantly exacerbated Burgoyne's logistical difficulties, slowing his army's advance and contributing to their dwindling supplies.
What was the primary objective of the British grand strategic plan involving a three-way pincer movement towards Albany, New York?
Answer: To divide the Thirteen Colonies and isolate New England.
Explanation: The British grand strategic plan aimed to divide the Thirteen Colonies by executing a three-way pincer movement towards Albany, New York, with the primary objective of isolating the rebellious New England Colonies.
How did the southern pincer of the British plan for Albany fail?
Answer: General William Howe chose to capture Philadelphia instead.
Explanation: The southern pincer, intended to advance up the Hudson Valley from New York City, never commenced because General William Howe opted instead to capture Philadelphia.
What prompted General Burgoyne to send Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum on a foraging mission to Bennington?
Answer: News of a large American supply depot and dwindling British supplies.
Explanation: General Burgoyne's concern over dwindling supplies, exacerbated by news of General Howe's movements, led him to send Baum on a foraging mission to acquire provisions and harass American forces, with Bennington being a target due to a reported supply depot.
What was the British perception of the New England Colonies at the outset of their new strategy to divide the Thirteen Colonies?
Answer: They had given up on the rebellious New England Colonies.
Explanation: At the outset of their revised strategy, the British had largely abandoned hope for the rebellious New England Colonies, focusing instead on a plan to split the Thirteen Colonies.
What was the objective of General John Burgoyne's northern pincer in the Saratoga campaign?
Answer: To capture Albany, New York, and gain control of the Hudson River valley.
Explanation: General John Burgoyne's northern pincer, advancing southward from Montreal, aimed to capture Albany, New York, and gain control of the Hudson River valley to meet other British pincers and divide the colonies.
What was the American destruction of a key road intended to achieve for Burgoyne's advance?
Answer: To slow his progress and deplete his army's supplies.
Explanation: The American destruction of a key road was a deliberate tactical maneuver intended to impede Burgoyne's movement, significantly slowing his army's advance and exacerbating his logistical difficulties, contributing to dwindling supplies.
The American forces at the Battle of Bennington were primarily led by General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner.
Answer: True
Explanation: General John Stark was the primary American commander, and Colonel Seth Warner also served as a key commander, leading reinforcements for the American forces.
Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum, who led the initial British detachment at Bennington, survived the battle and was later captured.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum was mortally wounded during the battle after a failed cavalry charge and died shortly thereafter, he was not captured alive.
The British side in the Battle of Bennington included forces from Great Britain, German auxiliary troops, and Native American allies.
Answer: True
Explanation: The British forces included soldiers from Great Britain, German auxiliary troops (Hessians from Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Hesse-Hanau, and Brunswick-Lüneburg), and Iroquois warriors, among others.
General John Stark's American force, including Colonel Seth Warner's reinforcements, totaled approximately 1,500 men.
Answer: False
Explanation: General John Stark commanded an American force estimated between 2,000 and 2,500 men. Colonel Seth Warner's reinforcements added approximately 350 men, bringing the total American strength to between 2,350 and 2,850 men.
Baum's detachment of 800 soldiers was primarily composed of British regular infantry, reinforced by Canadian irregulars and Iroquois warriors.
Answer: False
Explanation: Baum's detachment was primarily composed of dismounted dragoons from Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment, reinforced by local Loyalists, Canadian irregulars, Iroquois warriors, and British Marksmen, not primarily British regular infantry.
John Stark refused to accept authority from General Benjamin Lincoln, a Continental Army officer, stating he was only responsible to New Hampshire authorities.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Stark firmly refused General Benjamin Lincoln's attempt to assert Continental Army authority over his militia, stating his sole responsibility was to the New Hampshire authorities.
John Langdon provided the financial support that enabled John Stark to rapidly raise 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen.
Answer: True
Explanation: John Langdon provided the necessary financial support that enabled John Stark to raise 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen in just six days, demonstrating robust financial backing for the Patriot cause.
Who were the primary American commanders at the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner
Explanation: General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner were the principal American commanders leading the forces at the Battle of Bennington.
Which group was NOT a belligerent on the British side during the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: Green Mountain Boys
Explanation: The Green Mountain Boys were American-Vermont belligerents, while Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Iroquois warriors, and Hesse-Hanau were components of the British-allied forces.
What was the approximate total strength of the American forces under General John Stark and Colonel Seth Warner at Bennington?
Answer: Between 2,350 and 2,850 men
Explanation: General John Stark commanded an American force estimated between 2,000 and 2,500 men, and Colonel Seth Warner's reinforcements added approximately 350 men, bringing the total American strength to between 2,350 and 2,850 men.
What was the primary composition of Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's detachment?
Answer: Dismounted dragoons from Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment, reinforced by various allied groups.
Explanation: Baum's detachment was primarily composed of dismounted dragoons from Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment, reinforced by Loyalists, Canadian irregulars, Iroquois warriors, and British Marksmen.
How did New Hampshire respond to the appeal for protection from the New Hampshire Grants citizens after the British capture of Ticonderoga?
Answer: They authorized John Stark to raise a militia, gathering 1,500 men in six days.
Explanation: Following the British capture of Ticonderoga, New Hampshire responded to the appeal for protection by authorizing John Stark to raise a militia, which he successfully accomplished, gathering 1,500 men in six days.
What was John Stark's stance when General Benjamin Lincoln attempted to assert Continental Army authority over his militia?
Answer: He firmly refused, stating he was solely responsible to New Hampshire authorities.
Explanation: When General Benjamin Lincoln, a Continental Army officer, attempted to assert authority over John Stark and his New Hampshire militiamen, Stark firmly refused, stating his sole responsibility was to the New Hampshire authorities.
Which of the following American militia units was identified as participating in the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: New Hampshire Militia (Hobart's Regiment)
Explanation: American units identified in the battle included New Hampshire Militia, such as Hobart's Regiment, among others.
What was John Langdon's role in the American defense efforts leading up to the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: He provided the funds to raise John Stark's 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen.
Explanation: John Langdon provided the necessary financial support that enabled John Stark to raise 1,500 New Hampshire militiamen in just six days, a crucial mobilization for the defense of the New Hampshire Grants territory.
Which of the following British and allied units comprised Baum's forces at Bennington?
Answer: Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment
Explanation: Prince Ludwig's Dragoon Regiment was a primary component of Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's forces at Bennington, alongside other allied groups.
What was the approximate strength of Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's initial detachment?
Answer: Approximately 800 men
Explanation: Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum's initial detachment numbered around 800 soldiers, composed of dismounted dragoons and various allied reinforcements.
The Battle of Bennington, a crucial engagement of the Saratoga campaign, took place on August 16, 1777, in Bennington, Vermont.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington occurred on August 16, 1777, but it took place on the John Green farm in Walloomsac, New York, approximately 10 miles (16 km) from Bennington, Vermont, not directly in Bennington itself.
Upon learning of Baum's approach, John Stark immediately launched a direct assault on the British position to prevent them from reaching Bennington.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon learning of Baum's approach, John Stark sent a request for support, moved his troops to establish a defensive line, and destroyed a bridge to delay Baum's advance, rather than launching an immediate direct assault.
Baum's initial assessment of the American forces at Bennington was that they were larger than anticipated but likely to retreat, an assessment he later revised.
Answer: True
Explanation: After initial skirmishes, Baum sent a message to Burgoyne indicating the American force was larger than anticipated but likely to retreat. However, upon closer approach to Stark's position, he revised his assessment and sent a second message requesting reinforcements.
Heavy snowfall for a day and a half before the battle prevented immediate engagement, allowing both sides to construct defenses.
Answer: False
Explanation: Heavy rain, not snowfall, for a day and a half prevented immediate battle, forcing a standoff during which Baum's men constructed a small redoubt for defense.
General John Stark famously declared, 'There are your enemies, the Red Coats and the Tories. They are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow,' before the battle.
Answer: True
Explanation: This powerful statement is famously attributed to General John Stark, used to rally his troops before the Battle of Bennington, underscoring the high stakes and his determination.
Stark's men used a ruse of wearing red sashes to trick the Hessians into believing they were British Loyalists.
Answer: False
Explanation: Stark's men employed a clever ruse by adorning their hats with bits of white paper, not red sashes, to appear as Loyalists to the Hessians, allowing them to approach safely.
The initial phase of the Battle of Bennington saw the Hessian position quickly enveloped by intense gunfire, leading to many Loyalists and Iroquois fleeing or surrendering.
Answer: True
Explanation: When active fighting erupted around 3:00 PM on August 16, the Hessian position was immediately enveloped by intense gunfire, and the Loyalist and Iroquois positions were swiftly overrun, leading to many fleeing or surrendering.
Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum was captured alive after his cavalry charge failed and his ammunition ran out.
Answer: False
Explanation: Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum was mortally wounded after his cavalry charge failed and his ammunition ran low, dying shortly thereafter, rather than being captured alive.
During the rain-caused standoff, Stark's skirmishers killed thirty Iroquois warriors despite difficulties with wet gunpowder.
Answer: True
Explanation: During the day and a half of heavy rain before the main battle, Stark's skirmishers engaged British-allied Iroquois warriors and managed to kill thirty, despite the inherent difficulties of keeping their gunpowder dry.
The combat between Loyalists and Patriots during the Battle of Bennington was often less brutal than other engagements due to shared community ties.
Answer: False
Explanation: The battle was at times particularly brutal when Loyalists met Patriots, as in some instances, these individuals originated from the same communities, highlighting the civil war aspect of the American Revolution.
On what date did the Battle of Bennington take place?
Answer: August 16, 1777
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington occurred on August 16, 1777, as a significant engagement during the American Revolutionary War.
What action did Stark's men take to delay Baum's advance after learning of his approach?
Answer: They destroyed a bridge and established a defensive line outside Bennington.
Explanation: Upon receiving reports of Baum's approaching force, John Stark's men destroyed a bridge to delay his advance and established a defensive line outside Bennington, gaining crucial time for defensive preparations.
What was the primary effect of the heavy rain before the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: It allowed for a standoff, preventing immediate battle and enabling defensive construction.
Explanation: Heavy rain for a day and a half precluded an immediate battle, resulting in a standoff during which Baum's men constructed a small redoubt for defense.
What ruse did Stark's men use to gain an advantage during the battle?
Answer: They used white paper in their hats to appear as Loyalists to the Hessians.
Explanation: Stark's men employed a clever ruse by adorning their hats with bits of white paper, as Hessians had been instructed not to fire on soldiers wearing white paper, believing them to be Loyalists.
What happened to Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum during the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: He was mortally wounded after a failed cavalry charge and died shortly after.
Explanation: Lieutenant-Colonel Friedrich Baum was mortally wounded after a desperate cavalry charge and died shortly thereafter, following the destruction of his ammunition wagon and dwindling powder supplies.
How did the arrival of Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann's reinforcements initially affect the battle?
Answer: It caused Stark's forces to fall back until Warner's men reinforced them.
Explanation: After the initial American victory, Lieutenant-Colonel Breymann arrived with his reinforcements and launched an attack, causing Stark's forces to fall back until Colonel Warner's men arrived to reinforce them.
What was Baum's initial belief regarding the American force at Bennington after minor skirmishes?
Answer: That they were larger than anticipated but likely to retreat.
Explanation: After minor skirmishes, Baum initially believed the American force was larger than anticipated but likely to retreat, an assessment he later revised upon closer approach to Stark's position.
What was the nature of the combat when Loyalists and Patriots met during the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: It was particularly brutal, highlighting the civil war aspect of the Revolution.
Explanation: The battle was at times particularly brutal when Loyalists met Patriots, as in some instances, these individuals originated from the same communities, highlighting the civil war aspect of the American Revolution.
The American forces suffered heavy casualties, with over 200 killed and 700 wounded, during the Battle of Bennington.
Answer: False
Explanation: The American forces sustained relatively light casualties, with 30 killed and 40 wounded. The heavy casualties (207 killed and 700 captured) were suffered by the British and their allies.
The Battle of Bennington significantly strengthened Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign by securing vital supplies and boosting troop morale.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington had a significant and detrimental impact on Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign, leading to the loss of nearly 1,000 men, the desertion of Native American allies, and further straining his supply lines, thus weakening his campaign.
The American victory at Saratoga, influenced by Bennington, was a key factor in bringing France into the American Revolutionary War on the American side.
Answer: True
Explanation: The American victory at Saratoga, to which the Battle of Bennington was a crucial precursor, played a key role in bringing France into the American Revolutionary War on the American side, providing vital military and financial support.
John Stark received a commission as 'brigadier in the army of the United States' from the Continental Congress for his leadership at Bennington.
Answer: True
Explanation: For his leadership in 'the Memorable Battle of Bennington,' John Stark received a message of thanks from John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, which included a commission as 'brigadier in the army of the United States.'
After the battle, the captured British and allied prisoners were immediately released due to a lack of American resources to hold them.
Answer: False
Explanation: The prisoners captured during the Battle of Bennington, initially held in Bennington, were eventually marched to Boston, indicating they were not immediately released.
The loss of Native American allies after Bennington severely hampered Burgoyne's reconnaissance efforts, leaving his army less informed.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the Battle of Bennington, Burgoyne's Indian allies largely abandoned him after a council, which severely hampered the general's reconnaissance efforts in the subsequent days.
A significant portion of Stark's force returned home after the Battle of Bennington but later rejoined the campaign at Saratoga in October.
Answer: True
Explanation: After the Battle of Bennington, a significant portion of Stark's force returned home but reappeared at Saratoga on October 13, where they played a role in completing the encirclement of Burgoyne's army.
The Battle of Bennington was a minor skirmish that had little impact on the overall Saratoga campaign.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington was a critical engagement that severely weakened Burgoyne's forces and supply lines, directly contributing to his eventual surrender at Saratoga, making it a significant, not minor, event.
The American victory at Bennington galvanized colonial support for the Patriot cause and led to increased harassment of British positions.
Answer: True
Explanation: The American victory at Bennington galvanized colonial support for the Patriot cause, and with Burgoyne's Indian screen diminished, small groups of local Patriots began to emerge to harass the fringes of British positions.
Which of the following was the outcome of the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: A decisive American-Vermont victory, impacting the Saratoga campaign.
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington resulted in a decisive American-Vermont victory, which was a major strategic success and significantly impacted the British Saratoga campaign.
What were the casualties for the American forces in the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: 30 killed and 40 wounded
Explanation: The American forces sustained relatively light casualties, reporting 30 killed and 40 wounded during the Battle of Bennington.
What was a significant detrimental impact of the Battle of Bennington on Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign?
Answer: He lost nearly 1,000 men, and his Native American allies largely abandoned him.
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington had a significant and detrimental impact on Burgoyne's Saratoga campaign, as he lost nearly 1,000 men, and his Native American allies largely abandoned him, severely hindering his reconnaissance efforts.
What broader international consequence did the American victory at Saratoga, influenced by Bennington, have?
Answer: It brought France into the American Revolutionary War on the American side.
Explanation: The American victory at Saratoga, to which the Battle of Bennington was a crucial precursor, played a key role in bringing France into the American Revolutionary War on the American side, transforming the conflict into a global war.
What recognition did John Stark receive from the Continental Congress for his leadership at Bennington?
Answer: A commission as "brigadier in the army of the United States."
Explanation: For his leadership in 'the Memorable Battle of Bennington,' John Stark received a message of thanks from John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, which included a commission as 'brigadier in the army of the United States.'
Where were the prisoners captured during the Battle of Bennington eventually taken?
Answer: To Boston
Explanation: The prisoners captured during the Battle of Bennington, initially held in Bennington, were eventually marched to Boston.
What impact did the loss of Indian allies have on Burgoyne's campaign after the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: It severely hampered his reconnaissance efforts.
Explanation: Following the Battle of Bennington, Burgoyne's Indian allies largely abandoned him after a council, which severely hampered the general's reconnaissance efforts in the subsequent days, leaving his army more vulnerable and less informed.
What happened to a significant portion of Stark's force after the Battle of Bennington?
Answer: They returned home but reappeared at Saratoga on October 13.
Explanation: After the Battle of Bennington, a significant portion of Stark's force returned home but reappeared at Saratoga on October 13, where they played a role in completing the encirclement of Burgoyne's army.
What was the significance of the Battle of Bennington being part of the Saratoga campaign?
Answer: It severely weakened Burgoyne's forces and contributed to his surrender at Saratoga.
Explanation: The Battle of Bennington was a critical engagement within the Saratoga campaign that severely weakened General Burgoyne's forces and supply lines, directly contributing to his eventual surrender at Saratoga.
August 16 is recognized as a legal holiday in New York, commemorating the Battle of Bennington.
Answer: False
Explanation: August 16 is recognized as a legal holiday in Vermont, known as Bennington Battle Day, commemorating the significant American victory that occurred on that date in 1777, not in New York.
The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot high obelisk dedicated in 1891, with President Benjamin Harrison in attendance.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot (93 m) high obelisk, commissioned in the 1870s, completed in 1889, and dedicated in 1891 with ceremonies attended by President Benjamin Harrison.
The Molly Stark Cannon, fired annually on Bennington Battle Day, is a replica of a cannon used in the battle.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Molly Stark Cannon is notable as the oldest firing cannon in the United States and was captured by American forces during the Battle of Bennington itself, it is not a replica.
The Bennington battlefield is a New York state historic site and a National Historic Landmark.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bennington battlefield is now a New York state historic site, designated a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961, and subsequently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
The Bennington flag is historically confirmed to have flown during the Battle of Bennington, making it a unique artifact.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bennington flag was long, though incorrectly, believed to have flown during the Battle of Bennington; its direct association with the battle itself is a popular misconception rather than a verified historical fact.
President Rutherford B. Hayes attended the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument in 1891.
Answer: False
Explanation: President Rutherford B. Hayes attended the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington in 1877. President Benjamin Harrison attended the dedication of the Bennington Battle Monument in 1891.
What is the significance of August 16 in Vermont?
Answer: It is recognized as a legal holiday known as Bennington Battle Day.
Explanation: August 16 is recognized as a legal holiday in Vermont, known as Bennington Battle Day, commemorating the significant American victory that occurred on that date in 1777.
What is the Bennington Battle Monument?
Answer: A 306-foot high obelisk located in Bennington, Vermont, commemorating the battle.
Explanation: The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot (93 m) high obelisk located in Bennington, Vermont, commemorating the battle, commissioned in the 1870s and dedicated in 1891.
What annual tradition is associated with Bennington Battle Day?
Answer: The ceremonial firing of the Molly Stark Cannon.
Explanation: Every year on Bennington Battle Day, there is a ceremonial firing of the Molly Stark Cannon, which is notable as the oldest firing cannon in the United States and was captured during the Battle of Bennington itself.
Where is the Bennington battlefield located today?
Answer: As a New York state historic site.
Explanation: The Bennington battlefield is now a New York state historic site and was designated a National Historic Landmark on January 20, 1961.
What is the historical association of the Bennington flag with the battle?
Answer: It was long, though incorrectly, believed to have flown during the battle.
Explanation: The Bennington flag was long, though incorrectly, believed to have flown during the Battle of Bennington; its direct association with the battle itself is a popular misconception rather than a verified historical fact.
Who attended the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington in 1877?
Answer: President Rutherford B. Hayes
Explanation: The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Bennington in 1877 was marked by speeches, with President Rutherford B. Hayes in attendance.