George Washington formed the Culper Spy Ring during the American Revolution to gather intelligence for the Continental Army. The spies faced severe punishment if caught, including death by hanging. Benedict Arnold was a hero who later betrayed the Patriot cause for money. Most spies were not paid for their work due to lack of funds, but took the risk to defend their country, as evidenced by Nathan Hale's famous words.

1. Spies of the American
Revolution
By: Cass Werder

2. The “Spymaster” and
his “Spy Ring”
George Washington was a
successful general for the Continental Army
during the American Revolution. But what
many people didn’t know, is that he was also
a “Spymaster”. He wanted to teach many
spies of that time. So, he and Benjamin
Tallmadge formed the “Culper Spy Ring”, a
group of American spies who worked for the
Continental Army, dedicated to protecting
America. They were great. But, they needed
to worry about something.

3. The Punishment
If you were caught and found
guilty for being a spy, the punishment would
be… death by hanging. If you got caught by a
British/Patriot, you would be hanged. A
hanging is when you stand on a ladder, have
a rope, which is tied to a tree, tied to your
neck. A British/Patriot official will kick the
ladder out from under your feet, and have
your neck broken. With luck, you’ll die
instantly. Nathan Hale, a patriot spy, met his
doom like this.

4. The Traitor
Benedict Arnold used to be a hero for the
Patriots. But he was dissatisfied. He started
giving secret information to the British.
Benedict was offered £20,000 (British
money) for the capture of a Patriot fort.
While money was scarce (One reason the
American Revolution exists), Benedict Arnold
never received his full reward.

5. Were Spies Paid?
Besides Benedict Arnold, the one who got a
reward for betrayal, no spies were paid.
Money was scarce, so both sides thought,
“Maybe if we win the war, we’ll get the
money we deserve!” War wasn’t very good
for store keepers.
Nope!

6. Why?
Why did spies spy if they weren’t getting paid
to risk their lives? They either:
a) Successfully persuaded their slave
owner.
b) Their slave owner wanted them to.
c) They were drafted. Or
d) They wanted to defend their country.
If these reasons didn’t matter (mainly d) then
Nathan Hale wouldn’t have said, “My only
regret is that I have but one life to give to my
country”. Or, Patrick Henry wouldn’t have
screamed, “Give me Liberty, or give me
Death!”

7. Conclusion
I’ve discussed some fun facts, a couple of
questions, and a lot of awesome. You've
been a good reader/readers!
Thanks for
listening/watching/reading!