Traitor: The Case of Benedict Arnold

Early in the American Revolution Benedict Arnold leapt at the chance to fight for the independence of the original 13 colonies from the British, distinguishing himself in several campaigns and becoming a general in the Continental Army. Many considered him to the best leader and their most accomplished soldier. What could possibly have moved Arnold from being one of the most ardent of patriots to commit treason, especially when he had fought against the British so valiantly?

He apparently was angry and hurt from the many alleged slights he received over the years and possibly felt he was unappreciated by his country and fellow soldiers, and also getting wounded twice and almost losing a leg for his trouble. He was passed over for promotion and others took credit for many of his accomplishments. Humiliation was always something Arnold could never forgive or accept.

When he secured the command of West Point, then a strategic fort in New York, he attempted to surrender it to the British through Major Andre, a British spy. When this plot was discovered Arnold fled the country and served with British forces as a brigadier general.

Without Arnold's early contributions to their efforts, the American Revolution might have been lost; but when he renounced his country and switched sides, his name became synonymous with the words treason and traitor.