The Gaspee Affair of 1772 

Great piece thanks! Just a minor correction, the Gaspee was led aground at what is now Gaspee Point, which is 15+ miles North of Goat Island/Newport... again, a great piece, we are very proud of this act here in RI, and you have added copious details (most of which I didnt know) that really deepens the knowledge of this little known but significant piece of history!

From a Rhode Islander I thank you sincerely for this one . Being the smallest state in the union RI mostly gets overlooked, but has a rich history. So again thank you, and I love your content keep it up !

This is why this channel is so fascinating. This is history that is forgotten and ignored (outside of RI). Thank you for the time you put into this channel. It is one of my favorites.

Thank you for introducing the concept of "Historiography"...it is so rarely discussed. As a history teacher, it is one of the first concepts I required my students to examine/study before we dove into the "hard content". If you haven't already, you should dedicate an episode or two on Historiography.

It never fails. Once again H.G sheds light on the obscure or little known history that most certainly deserves to be remembered. I had never heard of this event till now. 👍🏻✌🏻

Rhode Islander here! We are a wild bunch and proud of our history! =)

As a Rhode Islander, thanks for the video. We Rhode Islanders get short shift on most of our contributions that shaped The United States (most of the Bill of Rights, absolute religious freedom, separation of church and state, birthplace of the abolition movement, birthplace of the American industrial revolution, invention of motion pictures, invention of the diner, the brilliant contributions of Gen. Nathaneal Green to the Revolution, etc., etc., etc.), the war against the King's navy preceding Lexington and Concord figuring prominently amongst them. So it is refreshing to get a nod from The History Guy. As good as your videos are, I caught a fact error - the Gaspee Affair occured on sandbar adjacent to the shoreline of Warwick and Cranston, nowhere near Goat Island, which is situated several hundred yards from the Newport shoreline, at least 25 miles from what is now called Gaspee Point. Fun facts: The loathsome and corrupt Lt. Dudingston was shot in the, "groin". Ouch! I had never heard he was shot in the face. And he was more than just enforcing taxation. He was stealing cargo and stealing packet ship revenues (gold) from the merchants. He was a thief - a royally-sanctioned pirate - who was baited into chasing the Hannah by Rhode Islanders, as planned by John Brown and Abraham Whipple (founder of the U.S. Navy) - and Dudingston got what he deserved. Side note, the largest trial and mass execution of convicted pirates in American history was held in Newport, with the 26 executions conducted on Goat Island, a small island saturated in rich history. Keep up your excellent work.

You teach me something new everytime I watch you THG, things which are felt to be to trivial to be put in either high school or first year world history in college. Thanks again.

A prior comment mentioned that the Gaspee ran aground at what is now Gaspee Point in Warwick RI. Duddington was lured into the upper reaches of Narragansett Bay about 10 statute miles north of Goat Island. Great piece !

Just came up in my recommendations this morning, I am a seventh and eighth grade social studies teacher and we are currently going over the road to rebellion. This is a fantastic snippet, and I hope to incorporate it into the next week of my lesson plans. Keep up the great work, of remembering history that deserves to be remembered!

I'm a Brit but found myself rooting for the Rhode Islanders for standing up for themselves. Well done !

During my ancestral research, I learned I had a several times great grandfather who was an emissary (of some degree) in North Carolina for the King of Great Britain. His local friends at some point convinced him that independence from the Crown was a good idea. So, as the story goes, my ancestor used his influence to order weapons and ammunition to "control" these rebellious colonists. In reality he was handing over supplies to the colonists. Occasionally, he ordered more "out of desperation" for his gun running operation. I have no idea how long this may have lasted. Somehow he was never caught or prosecuted by British authorities. I just thought you may enjoy that small piece of our fantastic American history.

HMS Squirrel?? If that didn't terrify the Colonies, the Brits could send in her sister ships, HMS Bunny Rabbit and HMS Chipmunk. ;-)

Excellent episode. I am from Boston and had heard about smuggling but it was always about small harbors around Boston. Clearly Rhode Island should have a prominent place in the American Revelution story. Thank you for "History that Deserves to be Remembered"

Another delicious narrative, by our history professor. Thank you, sir. The cycle of American history is, seemingly, just about back to this point. So close...

As a Rhode Islander, I am happy to see you do an episode on this little known bit of history. It often gets lost in the larger narrative of the Revolutionary war.

Excellent video. Thank you for giving little Rhody some recognition. Two minor corrections, however: 1) Gaspee went aground on Namquid Point in Warwick, RI (now called "Gaspee Point"); and 2) Duddingston was wounded in the thigh, not the face. He was taken ashore in Warwick, where his wounds were treated.

I'm from Rhode Island and I have never heard about this or knew about the rum making in Newport! Thank you so much!

Superb history . It does my. heart good to see all the various sides of an argument explained . These days, that’s a rare quality !👍👍🇺🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧🇹🇩

I have often thought this would make good content for you. Thanks from a Rhode Islander.

"Knowing they were no match for the squirrel" - a phrase never said or even thought, until now.

Every time I see a History Guy video, I think "sounds boring." And every time I bother to watch, it's a compelling and enlightening story. Thank you for constantly exceeding my expectations.

I truly appreciate your contention that history is often a matter of interpretation and 'selective-memory'. The most profound responsibility of present-day statesmen is to learn as much as possible about past events, their consequences, and their bearing upon present circumstances as society evolves toward our future.

Never heard this story before, but now I want to go to Gaspee days. 2022 marks 250 years, a nice round number.

Your summation of how history is interpreted often by motivations of what is going on at a particular moment in the present is very on point.

Thanks history guy, for taking the time to make this episode. This is certainly a subject that deserves to be remembered.

My sister lives in that Pawtuxet village. I've been there many times but never for the festival. The geography was (is?) perfect for these events. Thanks HG.

I grew up in Rhode Island and was taught several parts of this story in school. Thank you for converting it in such great detail!

Something I’ve never heard of! Love the channel and the quick snippets. TY

Another well presented episode from History That Deserves To Be Remembered

Now this is something I have heard of for the first time. Thanks History Guy!!!

What a shame my father died two decades ago. I get my fascination with history from him and I'm sure he would have enjoyed THG at least as much as I do.

I deeply enjoy your videos, you always bring up the interesting forgotten human stories of history!

This is the BEST, most concise explanation of the Gaspee Affair, I have ever heard. Thanks for explaining the events leading up to it. Why do we insist on teaching history as if each event occurred in a vacuum?

I have yet to watch the entire content of The History Guy but I'm getting there. I love the passion with which the stories are told.

Thank you for sharing the Gaspee Affair. As previously mentioned, Gaspee ran aground near Warwick and Cranston, RI. Keep up the good work!

Just what to tell you, once again how much I truly enjoy your work. What I find most satisfying is your inclusion of the WHY of history, not just manes, dates and events. The lack of any reason WHY something happened lead to my dislike of history in school. You have a great desk side manner in your instruction and surely you would have been one of the most influential teachers of my life. Thank you and keep up the amazing work. If the economy ever improves my finances you will be one of the first websites I will support. God Bless You from a friend you yet to met.

You never fail to educate and entertain. Thanks.

I'm a Rhode Islander and very recently started studying our history, partly inspired by this channel. This couldn't have come at a better time; it helped fill in some gaps in my understanding of the triangle trade, among other things. Thank you for this awesome video!

History Guy first of all i love this chanel.You remind me of my history teacher that i used to love hear teach, i dont know if it was his way of public speaking but once he started talking, i was into it. Thank History Guy.

I'd be thankful to find out the artists that were part of this vepisode's collection of montages... another fabulous short.

WOW. Of all your great videos this is my new favorite.

I suggested this and THG delivers. Thank you.

Thank you for this episode. It is my understanding that the Gaspee actually went aground in shallow water in Warwick RI, at a spot now named Gaspee Point. Not Goat Island, which is part of Newport RI. There is also a plaque commemorating the spot where Duddington and the crew of the Gaspee were brought ashore. It is in a park in Cranston RI at a place called Stillhouse Cove, that at the time was considered and by some still is considered part of Pawtuxet Village. Duddington was treated there by a prominent local doctor. His wounds appear to have been to his left arm and abdomen. This is noted in his later petition to the Royal Navy for a pension regarding his wounds and limited use of his left arm. It is believed the musket ball ricocheted off his arm and into his abdomen. After a few days of treatment he was removed to Newport, most probably Goat Island and the home of his lawyer. Thanks again H.G. just wanted to give props to my adopted home of Pawtuxet Village and Warwick RI.

Awesome video! Know where else would I discover such interesting stories.

Thank you The History Guy for another great article on history of our Country ! Take care , stay safe and healthy wherever your next research takes you ! Doing well here in Kansas !

I've recently discovered this channel, and i cant help but binge watch. The presentation, as well as the format are excellent!

What a wonderful history. Thanks for sharing.

No wonder John Hancock signed his name so big. He was still pissed about not getting his ship back.

Thank you for this post. It was GREAT!!!! many thanks!!!!

As always excellent video, but beyond that, wonderfully phrased closing thoughts.

I found your explanation of how history is viewed over time changes with the current views of the day. This might explain the need to tear down statues today!

Yayyy awesome video to watch while I eat breakfast! Love your work!

I grew up in Pawtuxet Village, which is near Gaspee Point, all in the City of Warwick RI. Gaspee days are still a bigger event than the 4th of July. It's a week long festival and it is a blast.

A fun little bit of history that played out about a mile from where I live now. The parade is a lot of fun, you should come one of these years!

Learned something new. Thank you. History Guy.

I loved your closing. Winners write History...and then re-write and re-write.... based on the Context of the writer.

You’re an excellent teacher of history.....Thank you for all your effort on these videos.

Very cool. I always learn something new watching your channel.

9:48 An interesting parallel to the forfeiture act that allows law renforcement to keep seized property, regardless whether there was a conviction or not. People didn't like it then and certainly have issue with that code of ethics employed by said law enforcement. 300+ years and a Revolutionary War later and the American Gov't. is doing exactly what they opposed from the Britts. "Those who forget history are destined to repeat it" comes to mind.

Objectively delivered and from what I've researched, very accurate. None of us are without mistakes.

Very interesting segment. Thanks

Love the videos, history is awesome!!

This was enlightening, thanks so much for the info!!!!!

Excellent presentation - thank you.

Jesus, thanks history guy for having a segment on Warwick, RI. I grew up there and have a family ancestor that fought in the Revolutionary War. Pawtuxet Village is still looking good.

Great interesting piece!

I quite like the naval tone the channel's been taking recently, naval history is just fantastic. Thank you for telling us about this, I never would've known about it otherwise.

Great episode. Thank you.

wonderful presentation

Great episode! Thanks!

You learn something new every day.

I consider myself a pretty fair amateur historian, but I had never heard the first word about this whole brouhaha. Which is why I'm a big fan, History Guy! I love your work!

Thank you for telling everyone this great story.

Great vlog as always!

Learning more from you than I ever learned at school. Or perhaps I am simply more interested now that i am in my mid 40s. Maybe both... Keep up the good work. This is great.

I never heard any of this in school only from the historical novel Rise to Rebellion from Jeff Shaara

Really enjoy the presentations on this program. I have always been a fan of history weather American or from other parts of the world. As a suggestion for future episodes how about the origin of Maryland being called the Old Line, it doesn’t have to do with Mason and Dixon. Thanks

Thank you so much for tackling the topic from my email!!! 😁😁😁

Long since subscribed 😃! I always enjoy your reporting and frequently, though I am an avid student of History, as in this case, I learned new information! Thank You and Best Regards! David

Did you know, Mr History Guy, that HP Lovecraft referenced the Gaspee affair in the novella "The Case of Charles Dexter Ward? That's how I learned about this event. Never once did I learn of the event in any history class. Funny the nuggets of info you can pick up just by reading!

Thanks for teaching us sir 😃

Hey! A topic I suggested got used! (Though maybe entirely incidentally). Thanks History Guy! I learned a ton, as always. I first learned of the Gaspee Affair in the fantastic book by James R. Beller "America in Crimson Red: The Baptist History of America". Also learned about the battle of Alamance in 1771 which would make a good episode.

I totally enjoy history - when presented by you. Thank you, Sir.

Thanks! Well done as always. Dave J

Thank you for sharing Sir.

Interesting to hear the discussion on shifting interpretations of history. Simple answers are easier to digest but any time and the various people in it are pushed and pulled by a variety of often unknowable motivations. It would be interesting to see how future historians look back on our time... if there are still historians.

11:38 A quick but important correction: The Gaspee didn’t run aground near Goat Island in Newport, but further up the bay in shallower water near Warwick, near Pawtucket Village where the burning is still celebrated. Today, it’s conveniently called “Gaspee Point.” The Hannah was heading up the bay toward Providence, which is where the colonists who burned the ship had rowed from. The wounded LT. Dudingston was taken ashore at Sandhill Cove, in Edgewood, RI, as the colonists made the trip back up Narragansett Bay.

Gasping with amazement, cloudy bits of early seen more clearly 🤷‍♂️👍.

Very nice, learned something new. Always a good thing.

Great episode history guy! You keep being awesome I'll keep watching and liking. I have a couple ideas I know you can get to the bottom of but we'll worry about that later

Great job as always.Would it be possible to do a future episode about the Anglo -Zanzibar War of 1896?

I'm going to share this video with a friend of mine, a history teacher from Rhode Island. I'm betting he already knows all about it but I certainly didn't. Thanks.

So the founder of Rhode Island was driven out of Massachusetts because of his religious beliefs? Oh the irony there!

Being a rum man at heart I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of history. As to the backround items in you video....Catalina flying boat, Corsair fighter ground attack aircraft, and P-51 with the long range drop tanks. Hmmm.... CP3O, General Grant bobble head along side ...lol....the Caped Crusader....Ecto -1.....you have me stumped on the buttons... I thought campaign buttons but I am not able to determine .....as always the Uboat.....etc etc.....And who decides the painting over over your left shoulder? In keeping with the subject matter?.....although did not figure Patton photo?

As a fellow South Dakotan who has worked with a Rhode Islander, you've gotta say paw-tuck-sett as fast as possible.

Excellent Research 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Thank you for sharing THG ✨

Thank you, from Rhode Island. We feel left out and intentionally excluded from history books.

I am a subscriber and I used to watch every single episode that history guy published but I can not stand advertisements in the middle of videos and now only watch about one out of 20 of his videos.

Excellent piece!