Dr. Kieran O’Keefe, assistant professor of history at Lyon College, recently gave a conference presentation examining how Gen. Horatio Gates went from a loyal British officer to a key leader of the American Revolution. Dr. O’Keefe’s lecture, “Why Gen. Horatio Gates Became a Revolutionary,” was part of Fort Ticonderoga’s 20th Annual Seminar on the American Revolution on Sept. 21. It aired Saturday, Oct. 19, on American History TV on C-SPAN 2.
Gates, best known for commanding American forces to victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, has often been a controversial figure, partly because he had a tense relationship with GeorgeWashington. Prior to his support of the American Revolution, Gates had been a British Army officer.
During his presentation, Dr. O'Keefe said Gates' transformation to a revolutionary leader was not a moment of impulsive defection, but rather a gradual shift driven by personal ambition and deep frustration with British policies. His story is emblematic of the choices many faced during the American Revolution.
Additionally, Dr. O’Keefe explored Gates' early life and his eventual disillusionment with British rule. He also highlighted Gates’ involvement in the Conway Cabal, a supposed plot to replace GeorgeWashingtonwith Gates as commander-in-chief.
“Visiting Fort Ticonderoga for this conference was a great experience,” Dr. O’Keefe said. “Ticonderoga has so much history, and it was a unique opportunity to present my research at such a pivotal location of the Revolutionary War.”
Dr. O’Keefe, who received a research fellowship earlier this year from the GeorgeWashingtonPresidential Library at Mount Vernon, is working on a book titled “Horatio Gates and the Pursuit of a Republican Revolution.” His biography will trace Gates’ entire life, from his service in the British Army, to his time as a Continental Army general, and to hispost-war politics.
Dr. Anthony Grafton, Lyon College provost, said, “Appreciating and understanding American history is increasingly important in today's world. Dr. O'Keefe's knowledge of and passion for the history of the American Revolution really came through in this presentation. We at Lyon College, our students, and the state of Arkansas are all lucky to have him here to share that enthusiasm with the next generation.”
Dr. O’Keefe’s lecture, now available onAmerican History TV, offers viewers a chance to reconsider the role of this often-misunderstood figure in America’s revolutionary history.
Click here to view the presentation:https://www.c-span.org/video/?538523-2/general-horatio-gates-revolutionary