Arnold's Folly: An "American" TL

September 19, 1777

General Arnold was commanding his forces against the Redcoats. Despite being under the "command" of Horatio Gates, most of the army trusted Arnold's commanding ability much more than that of Gates. "General Arnold, the Redcoats are just up ahead," said a soldier in the army. "Do not worry, I will lead the army myself. If I get killed by Burgoyne, so be it." Leading his army outside to Saratoga, he had a most ambitious plan of leading the Continental Army with himself at his head. "Attack," he said. He could hear Burgoyne doing the same. The Battle of Saratoga had begun.

However, the Redcoats used the tactic of the Thin Red Line. Ultimately, it was unsuccessful, and they had to use another technique, but yet, despite the utter advantage of the Redcoats, Arnold remained in the field to fight. "General Burgoyne, you are no match for us Continentals," he yelled in a show of ferocity. Ultimately, he killed several hundred Redcoats. However, he was killed by a lucky shot.

Arnold would be remembered as the stereotypical "mad rebel" while Burgoyne would be remembered as the brave Tory, victorious against all of his enemies.

Burgoyne was ecstatic. He had at last defeated the famous American rebel Benedict Arnold. Arnold's last stand, however, stupid, was honourable. "We have destroyed the head of the Continentals. Their body shall follow." Around him, they were being defeated. They would surrender soon enough. Burgoyne correctly realized that the Battle of Saratoga, as it would be called, was the turning point of the American Revolt. As we can attest, he was almost certainly correct.
Benedict_Arnold_1color.jpg

An image of Benedict Arnold during the Battle of Quebec
 
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The End of the Revolt

December 4, 1777

"Shit," said a Continental soldier. "Our army is being forced into New England. It seems that we cannot work towards our goal." "You are wrong," General Washington said. "Our war may be longer thanks to Arnold's Folly, but we must work toward his goal. For we must have responsible government." "This 'Battle of Washington' must be a Continental victory. For we are continentals." Of course, with deserting rated high, it appeared that defeat was imminent. "Redcoats ahead," said a lookout. The Continentals were ready. "Charge," said General Washington. It appeared that the Redcoats were toast.

General Burgoyne was ready for the battle. "General, they appear to be charging toward us," said an infantrier. "Good," Burgoyne said. "They are probably overconfident. But there is no way they can win. Attack them with our cannons." The Battle of Boston had begun.

The city was becoming a Tory-supporting city ever since Saratoga. Civilians slaughtered the Continentals. The Continental Army, reduced in size, was retreating to the town square. Burgoyne was euphoric. Amidst all this bloodshed, victory seemed imminent.

Washington was shocked. His tactics brutally failed. Instead of causing the expected victory, his army seemed to be losing. As the Tories gained ground, more and more soldiers were slaughtered. Washington had to make his final stand. "One, two..." and he counted until he got to "Fifty," when he was killed by a lucky shot by Burgoyne.

"I have killed the other great American patriot. There goes the revolt against the Crown." And he was right.
 
More - how quick will the revolution fail?

what do the Brits do with their rebellious provinces?

That will definitely have an impact to the French revolution.
 
Duke of Albany

March 1, 1778

Following this great battle, Burgoyne was recalled to Britain, to Buckingham Palace for an audience with the king. "Your Majesty," said General Burgoyne. "I have just crushed the revolt in British North America. "Good," said King George III. "Those silly rebels and their ridiculous republicanism. They are no match for us wise Englishmen. Put all of New England under military rule. That region, claiming to be the new England. You may kill any rebels who threaten the security of the region, Burgoyne. Also, in return for your military achievements, kneel." Burgoyne kneeled. "John Burgoyne, I dub you Duke of Albany. Ah yes, and Albany?" "Yes, your Majesty," said General Albany. "You may kill any rebel in New England at your discretion."

"General Burgoyne," said Albany's servant. "I am the Duke of Albany now, servant," said Albany. He spat at his servant. "My apologies, Sir Albany. I have received a message from British North America. Thomas Jefferson, a major rebel leader, has surrendered to British forces." "Good," said Albany. "Now get me some tea."

Albany was getting ready for his voyage across the Atlantic. "General Burgoyne, I mean Sir Albany," said a colonel. "We have received word that rebel groups have just attacked several British troop encampments in New England." "Do not worry, Colonel, the king has already realized that this would occur. We are to go to New England to put the region under military rule." "You cannot be serious. That is a tad too far. Also, you are an old man." "Do not worry, I will retire to a castle that I will build in Albany after a year." "Good idea sir. That way, you will be able to taste the fruits of your own success." "But it will be a very eventful year, Colonel." With these words, their voyage began.
 
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