Benedict Arnold: Traitor of the American Revolution

One of the most famous and infamous names of the American Revolution is Benedict Arnold. But what exactly did this man do to create such a legacy for himself and is it deserved?

Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut in 1741 to a troubled family. His father who had worked as a merchant had married above his class but had ended up losing his business due to unsound practices. As a result he had become an alcoholic, unable to work and unable to support his son and wife.

His mother's family remained supportive however, taking Arnold in as an apprentice to help the young man survive. When the French and Indian War broke out the young Arnold enlisted in the colonial militia, returning home safe and sound to begin his own trading business away from the family influence.

When the American Revolution began Benedict Arnold saw this as an ideal opportunity to prove himself as a leader of men and also to increase his personal wealth. Taking the lead of a Connecticut militia company he marched the men to Boston, eager to be seen and noticed. But instead of engaging the enemy there he swung around and joined in on the battle to capture Fort Ticonderoga instead. But it was Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys who captured not only the fort but also all the fame that went with it, leaving Arnold bitter and upset.

But he continued to seek glory in battle, leading an expedition into Canada through horrible weather conditions that would have sapped the strength of a lesser army. Instead his forces joined General Montgomery's larger army and attacked Quebec on December 30, 1775 and fought valiantly until they were forced to retreat. During this time Arnold was wounded, but refused to leave his men.

The first inklings of Arnold's disappointment and resentment for the men he fought alongside occurred in 1777 when he joined Horatio Gates in a combined effort to defeat the British forces that were massing in the New York area. After criticizing the General's plans Arnold was ordered to the rear of the battle where he sulked at his mistreatment.