Benedict Arnold

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Benedict Arnold (January 14, 1741 – June 14, 1801) was an American military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He is best known for his defection from the Continental Army to the British Army. Arnold's name has become synonymous with the word "traitor" due to his actions during the war.

Early Life

Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, to Benedict Arnold III and Hannah Waterman King. He was one of six children, though only two survived to adulthood. Arnold's early life was marked by the financial instability of his family, which influenced his later actions.

Military Career

Early Service

Arnold began his military career as a captain in the Connecticut Militia in 1775. He played a key role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga alongside Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys. This victory provided the Continental Army with much-needed artillery.

Defection to the British

Despite his early contributions to the American cause, Arnold became increasingly disillusioned with the Continental Congress and his lack of recognition and promotion. In 1780, he entered into secret negotiations with the British, offering to surrender the fort at West Point, New York. His plot was discovered, but Arnold managed to escape to British lines.

Later Life and Death

After his defection, Arnold served as a brigadier general in the British Army, leading raids in Virginia and Connecticut. He moved to London after the war, where he lived until his death in 1801.

Legacy

Benedict Arnold's legacy is complex. While he was a skilled military leader, his name is most often associated with treason. His actions have been the subject of numerous books, plays, and films.

Related Pages

• American Revolutionary War
• Continental Army
• Fort Ticonderoga
• West Point, New York
• Ethan Allen
• Green Mountain Boys