Who was Benedict Arnold?

Benedict Arnold was a Patriot general during the American Revolution. In the early years of the conflict, he was considered an American war hero, but he became disillusioned with the U.S. and defected to Britain in 1780. Today, the name 'Benedict Arnold' is synonymous with the word 'traitor' in the U.S.

Why did Benedict Arnold betray the United States?

Benedict Arnold likely betrayed the United States for a variety of reasons: 1) He felt underappreciated by his countrymen, having been constantly passed over for promotion; 2) he desired money; 3) he believed Britain was going to win the war; 4) he was married to Peggy Shippen, an American woman with Loyalist sympathies.

How much money did Benedict Arnold get for betraying the U.S.?

Benedict Arnold was promised £20,000 by the British for handing over West Point. But, since the plot ultimately failed, Arnold was paid only £6,315 as well as an annual pension of £360.

Benedict Arnold

Definition

Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) was a general of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). He was considered one of the finest Patriot military officers during the early years of the conflict but defected to the British in 1780 after being repeatedly passed over for promotion. Today, the phrase 'Benedict Arnold' remains a colloquialism for 'traitor' in the U.S.

More about: Benedict Arnold

Timeline

14 Jan 1741 - 14 Jun 1801
Life of Benedict Arnold, an American general of the American Revolution who defected to Britain.
23 Sep 1780
British Major John André is captured, exposing the treason of Benedict Arnold.

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