Why Is Benedict Arnold A Traitor

Benedict Arnold, a name known throughout America as a name that means traitor. Everyone knows he betrayed his country, but not many know exactly why. No one betrays someone or something without a reason and this is the same with Benedict Arnold. In this paper I’m going to discuss his life and events leading up to his betrayal and his untimely death. This is the story of Benedict Arnold, the revolutionary traitor.

Benedict Arnold was born on January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut to Benedict Arnold III and Hannah Waterman King Arnold. His father married Hannah, a wealthy widow in November 1733. He was one of only two of his mother’s eleven children to survive. Hannah’s late husband, Absalom King, was a well-to-do merchant. Benedict

They gave the command to General Schuyler, once again Arnold felt slighted. But General Washington knew Arnold to be a genius soldier. He selected Arnold to lead troops through a wilderness route for the second part of the Quebec campaign. This mission was delayed from the start by terrain and weather, but Arnold got most of his troops through. Unfortunately, in their delay the city had been reinforced. He could not wait had had to attack on December 31, 1775 , since many of his men’s enlistments expired on New Year’s day. Although, Arnold suffered a severe leg wound in battle , he never gave up his post. The Americans fought on and were forced to retreat. It was a crushing

In the spring of 1778 Washington appointed Arnold the commander of the city of Philadelphia. While in this post Arnold met Peggy Shippen, who was the daughter of a loyalist sympathizer. Peggy and Arnold married on April 8,1779. This marriage greatly improved his social status, however, he did not have the money to finance the lifestyle to go along with it. He lived beyond his means and the Continental Congress brought charges against him that resulted in a court martial in May of 1779. This action further frustrated and angered the already bitter