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Southern New England: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island

taxes on the colonies to help pay for their defense. Protests against these taxes began in Massachusetts and spread throughout the 13 American colonies. In 1775, the Revolutionary War began. Only four Revolutionary War bat- tles were fought in Connecticut, but the colony contributed more than 30,000 men and thousands of dollars in money and supplies to support the Patriot cause. Connecticut also also produced a hero, a villain, and an interesting invention. Nathan Hale, the hero, was a schoolteacher who served as a spy for the Continental army. He was cap- tured in New York and hanged in 1776. Hale is remembered today for his last words: “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Benedict Arnold, born in Norwich, went from being one of America’s greatest

The British executed Nathan Hale as a spy in 1776.

October 1777, one of the most impor- tant American victories. However, when Arnold didn’t get a promotion that he wanted, he became angry. In 1780, he secretly offered to turn over the American fort at West Point to the British. The plot was uncovered, and Arnold fled to Britain. He returned in

Did You Know?

heroes to its worst trai- tor. As a general in the Continental Army, he played a key role in the Battle of Saratoga in

The Hartford Courant , a newspaper established in 1764, is the oldest American newspaper that has been continuously published.

Benedict Arnold