How Did Nathan Hale Contribute To The Revolutionary War

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Throughout the American Revolution, many people, men and women, made a great impact in the war. Many others sacrificed their lives for the cause of freedom. For example, Nathan Hale was one of these courageous people. He was born in Coventry, Connecticut on June 6, 1755. At the age of 18, he graduated Yale University (in 1773) and had the top scores in his graduating class. After that, he went on to become a schoolteacher. A very devoted Christian, Hale planned to become a minister of the Bible. Also, in college, he was an experienced speaker and debater who argued that women should have the same high education as men. So, as well as teaching at the Union Grammar School in New London, Connecticut, he also taught a group of ladies each morning. However, when the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, Hale decided to take action. …show more content…

He gathered information about the British troop locations and fortifications, and hid this valuable information in the sole of his shoe. However, on his way back to the American side, he was captured by the British. The information found on him held no doubt as to what he what he was: an American spy. Hale was sentenced to hang the next morning. All night, Hale lay thinking about his fate, and came face to face with the fact that he had failed. He had failed Washington and not completed his mission. Requesting a clergy and a Bible, Hale is refused his requests. Finally, he is given a pen and paper to write his final words down to send to his family. Although he is going to die, he knows that he still wants to help fuel the revolution. When he is going to be hanged, Hale is given a chance to say his last words. In this time, he talks passionately about the American cause and their desire and fight for freedom. He concludes his words with a famous quote that is still known today. "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country." Hale said before he was executed. By saying this, he managed to add fuel to the American rebellion against the British. Nathan Hale became a brave American spy who went down in history, and inspired the Americans to keep