The Patriot is a film based on the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), the war fought between Great Britain and the thirteen colonies of the North American continent. In this war on American soil the colonists fought for independence from Europe and the criticized government of King George III. The Patriot addresses this topic through the character Benjamin Martin, played by actor Mel Gibson, who is based on Revolutionary War militia leader Francis "The Swamp Fox" Marion. The film also features some actual battles fought during the war and the weapons used in the war. Although the film shows real events, people and objects that happened and existed during the war, there are historical points changed to suit theater audiences. In all the battles in the film there are some objects displayed incorrectly. The cannon is a piece of artillery that uses gunpowder or other propellants to launch a specific projectile. The cannon was first used in China, but was later incorporated into the standard army during the Revolutionary War. The cannon's effectiveness in battle led to its constant use in battle. The weapons in all battles shown in the film included cannon; however in the film most bullets explode on impact. At that time of the war explosive shells had not yet been invented; the cannons at the time were used to mow down the enemy's ranks. For this reason it is impossible for projectiles fired from the cannon to explode upon impact. Another inaccuracy is that, in The Patriot, Continental soldiers were seen carrying the "Betsy Ross" flag into battle. In reality there was no standard flag for men to carry, so instead flags with slogans and symbols relating to a region were carried....... middle of paper...... analyzing and documenting British battles from centuries precedents. Network. September 25, 2011. .Crawford, Amy. "The Swamp Fox | Biography | Smithsonian Magazine." History, travel, art, science, people, places | Smithsonian magazine. Network. 25 September 2011. "Historical inaccuracies". Network. September 25, 2011. "History and Film: The Patriot and the Glory of Mackubin T. Owens." Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs at Ashland University. Network. 25 September 2011. "The patriot: cinematographic reality or fiction". Welcome to The Patriot Resource. Network. 25 September. 2011. .