Benedict Arnold: Marked as a Traitor

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Benedict Arnold was an American hero. He might have even been the best general the United States had. But during a bleak moment of envy, hurt and distrust, an admirable leader turned into a monster that could not be turned back. When he was at his lowest, he decided to surrender West Point, a fort that was essential to the Americans during the Revolution, over to the British. He did not succeed, but he still managed to get away before he was caught. Arnold’s name was now to be forever associated with treachery and dishonesty (Creighton). But has anyone stopped to think why Benedict Arnold strayed onto the path of betrayal? What led him to be disloyal to a country he had fought with since the French and Indian War? No one retaliates to an action without an action to retaliate to. Although Benedict Arnold is known as America’s most famous traitor, his acts of treason can surely be justified.
First of all, Benedict Arnold did plenty for the Revolution but was never truly thanked or paid for his services. He had suffered a leg wound in an assault on Quebec, was reinjured at the Battle of Saratoga and left crippled forever but never received any medal of honor (Who Served Here?). He gave his own money and time to train his forces so that they could be the best in the army (Creighton), but he was never shown any gratitude. He also happened to be a very good general. He always fought his hardest and thought quickly (Dell 51-53). For example, at Lake Champlain, he burned the American fleets so that the British could not steal them and use them (Dell 55). To most, it seemed like Arnold was out of his mind, but it was really just him planning ahead. Also, he was always optimistic and encouraging his troops in severe conditions, especially...

... middle of paper ...

... his way. Benedict Arnold is known as America’s biggest traitor, but is it not partially the United States’ fault that he turned sour?

Works Cited

"Benedict Arnold." Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2004. 309-310. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 12 Dec. 2013.
Creighton, Linda L. "Benedict Arnold: A Traitor, but Once a Patriot." US News. US News & World Report, 27 June 2008. Web. 5 Dec. 2013. .
Dell, Pamela. Benedict Arnold: From Patriot to Traitor. Minneapolis: Compass Point, 2005. Print.
Martin, James Kirby. "Arnold, Benedict." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2013. Web. 5 Dec. 2013.
"Who Served Here?" US History. Independence Hall Association, 2011. Web. 9 Dec. 2013. .

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