The name “Benedict Arnold” is now used to label someone as a horrible traitor. Many people only know him as a famous turncoat. Arnold, however, was also a Revolutionary War hero. If Arnold had died a few years before, his name might be celebrated. Now, he is a person hated by all sides. At Saratoga, the site of his biggest victory, a monument depicts an injured leg. The “most brilliant soldier” honored is left unnamed.
Early Life
Benedict Arnold was born in Connecticut on January 14, 1741.
The Arnolds were a prominent family, though his father had business problems and troubles with alcohol. Benedict was one of only two of his parents’ six children who survived childhood.
Benedict left school at fourteen, began an apprenticeship as a druggist, but soon ran away to fight in the French and Indian War. Arnold, after the war, became a successful druggist and seafaring merchant. He married Margaret Mansfield in 1767.
Benedict and Margert had three children. She died in 1775.
Patriot
A successful merchant would have much cause to be unhappy with the changing British policies after the French and Indian War. Arnold opposed the Stamp Act, was appalled at the Boston Massacre (“Good God, are the Americans all asleep and tamely giving up their glorious liberties?”), and joined the anti-British Sons of Liberty. He was a patriot to the rebel cause.
Arnold became a captain in the local militia in 1774. After the “shot heard around the world” in Lexington and Concord began the Revolutionary War, he went with a company of volunteers to Boston to help, taking along some of New Haven’s supply of gunpowder.
He took part in the seizure of British artillery at Fort Ticonderoga. Arnold, foreshadowing the future, clashed with Ethan Allen, the leader of the campaign. Arnold had the unfortunate quality of many gentlemen of the age of being quite sensitive to alleged threats to his honor.
Revolutionary Hero
Benedict Arnold (early on, at least!) could be counted among the heroes of the Revolutionary War. If Arnold had died at Saratoga, a turning point in the war, he might have been counted as one of its leading heroes. Arnold also had a penchant for getting shot in the leg.
George Washington appointed Arnold to command an expedition to help capture Quebec. Arnold marched with 700 men through the Maine wilderness, an impressive feat of leadership and endurance. The Americans failed to capture Quebec. Arnold was promoted to general.
Arnold was involved in many battles. He made many friends and maybe as many enemies. He played an important role in winning the Battle of Saratoga, the victory that helped convince the French that we could win the war. He severely injured his leg.
Washington made him the military commander of Philadelphia in June 1778.
Discontent
Benedict Arnold already had an uneasy war campaign.
He repeatedly clashed with his superiors. Arnold tried to resign (Washington turned him down). He thought he did not receive a proper promotion. Overall, Arnold repeatedly felt slighted.
Philadelphia did not prove to be an ideal setting. Arnold lived lavishly and fell into debt. He engaged in various business deals that led to charges of illicit war profiteering. Arnold became cynical about the revolutionary cause, feeling his sacrifices and bravery were unappreciated.
Arnold also fell in love with Peggy Shippen, an eighteen-year-old British loyalist. They married in April 1779. They would have five children together. She also helped him become a traitor.
Traitor
Benedict Arnold fulfilled his destiny shortly after his marriage. He began to communicate with the British, with Major John André serving as his contact.
George Washington gave Arnold command of West Point, a well-fortified American stronghold along the Hudson River, which later became a military academy. Arnold offered to transfer control over to the British in return for a good amount of money and an army commission.
Arnold arrived at West Point in August 1780 and began to weaken the garrison and supply information to the British. John André was captured. Arnold’s plans were revealed.
John André was executed as a spy. Arnold escaped. Many loyalists were unhappy that the American turncoat survived while André died a hero. Arnold was despised by both sides.
After Becoming A Traitor
Benedict Arnold now led military attacks against his former allies, including burning down New London, Connecticut. Accusations that Arnold allowed the killing of people who were surrendering did not help his reputation. It was bad enough that Arnold was willing to turn against his old allies for money. Now, he was helping the British attack his birthplace.
Arnold left for England after the American victory at Yorktown. He could not obtain a permanent British commission but had a small military pension.
Arnold took part in various business ventures in England, Canada, and the West Indies. He died, mostly forgotten, in London in 1801. It was June 14, now celebrated as Flag Day.
Why Did He Commit Treason?
There are many reasons why people become traitors. People become traitors for money, fame, because they believe in the enemy’s cause (idealism), and out of fear. Some people believe they were wronged and want to gain revenge. The enemy provides an opportunity to obtain power.
Family connections can help provide an opening. Sex (so-called “honey pots”) can also be involved. Sex and other things can also be used as blackmail to pressure someone to be a traitor.
Benedict Arnold did not explain why he became a traitor to the American cause. His reasons are likely complicated. Ultimately, for selfish motives, Arnold became the world’s famous traitor.