Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold Groton

Repeal of the Stamp Act

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HoratioGatesByStuart

Benedict Arnold oath of allegiance

Benedict Arnold (January 14, 1741 [O.S. January 3, 1740] – June 14, 1801) was a military officer who served in the American Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Arnold, who was initially a respected leader due to his bravery and strategic acumen, became infamous for his 1780 plot to surrender West Point, a key American fort, to the British. His name has since become synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States.

Early Life

Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, to a successful merchant. Despite his family's financial setbacks during his childhood, Arnold was able to establish himself as a pharmacist and bookseller in New Haven, Connecticut, before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

Military Career

Arnold's military career began with his participation in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775 alongside Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. He was recognized for his bravery and was subsequently involved in the invasion of Quebec, where he was wounded. Arnold played a crucial role in the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which was a turning point in the Revolutionary War due to its impact on securing French support for the American cause. Despite his contributions, Arnold felt aggrieved over promotions he believed were unjustly denied to him and disputes over his command.

Path to Treason

Disillusioned by perceived slights and motivated by debt and personal grievances, Arnold entered into secret negotiations with the British. In 1780, as the newly appointed commander of West Point, Arnold planned to surrender the fort to the British in exchange for money and a commission in the British Army. The plot was uncovered when American forces captured British Major John André, who was carrying documents that revealed the scheme. Arnold fled to the British side, where he was made a brigadier general.

Later Years and Death

After the war, Arnold lived in London and then Canada, where he attempted various business ventures with limited success. He died in London in 1801.

Legacy

Benedict Arnold's legacy is complex. While his early contributions to the American Revolutionary cause were significant, his name is predominantly associated with his act of treason. The term "Benedict Arnold" has become a byword for betrayal in American culture.

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This American Revolution related article is a stub.