Patriot Turned Traitor: Benedict Arnold

While most of us remember him as a turncoat, we tend to forget that Benedict Arnold was once one of the most respected heroes of the Revolutionary War. Arnold was a top general at the time who played very key roles in some major early American victories. After feeling undervalued and alienated from the Continental Army, Arnold decided he’d had enough of the newly formed country. Unlike most traitors, whose acts were motivated purely by personal greed, Arnold's had somehow been complicated by a mix of ambition, frustration, and desire for recognition. 

Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1741. He was brought up in a well-off family. However, the death of his father resulted in financial problems. Arnold was a pharmacist and bookseller for a short time before he went into the military. He served in the French and Indian War as part of the colonial militia to build up experience as a leader. As relations with Britain worsened, Arnold joined the American Revolution and reached a commanding position almost immediately, for his bravery and strategic planning.

At the breakout of the Revolutionary War, Arnold played various important roles in different crucial battles. He played a very important role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. He then led the disastrous invasion of Quebec, where he was badly injured. However, he would greatly redeem himself at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, where he proved a great American victory through his leadership. This was a huge win for the Colonies, but when they gave Arnold little to no credit for it, he felt even more undervalued which made him question his loyalty.

Later followed accusations of corruption and mismanagement, this grew the resentment that Arnold held toward the Continental Army. His marriage to Peggy Shippen, a young woman with Loyalist persuasions, further helped shift his allegiance. By April of 1780, Arnold made the decision to defect. He had begun a deal to sell the British the fort at West Point. He was willing to turn it over for both, 10,000 pounds and a British military commission. The plan was foiled when British Major John André was caught with incriminating documents on his person. Arnold barely escaped to British lines, avoiding capture by the Americans.

After his defection, Arnold was commissioned a brigadier general in the British Army and led raids on American forces and civilian targets. He could never attain the full trust or regard of his British colleagues. After the war, business enterprises mostly proved unrewarding for him in London, and he died somewhat obscurely on June 14, 1801. The entirety of his legacy had been subsumed by his act of treason.

His acts that contributed much to the American cause in the early years of fighting cannot be denied, but his act of betraying his country is what defines him. The life of Arnold shows how personal grievances could change even the most dedicated soul into committing acts redirecting history.