Benedict Arnold: The Revolutionary War

Benedict Arnold A man, who was once known as one of the greatest generals involved in the revolutionary war, quickly gained the reputation of a traitor to America. General Benedict Arnold suddenly betrayed America and joined the British enemy. Much controversy is raised when discussing the reason Arnold chose to switch sides, but historical documents clear unanswered questions and have the potential to justify his reasons. From a different perspective, his actions signify personal gain, but consequently end in defeat. Benedict Arnold was a loyal American hero who abandoned the American cause for multiple reasons. The start of the Revolutionary War contributed to Arnold’s reputation as a hero. The conflict occurred between America and Great …show more content…
Arnold and his wife obtained a house near the British headquarter. He was also one of the generals leading the British in an effort to succeed over the United States (Mary Theobald). Arnold created an American Legion due to the fact he wanted to take Philadelphia. He took over Virginia and attempted to bargain with Washington over trades. Washington wanted Arnold dead, and sent out men to do the job, but was stopped by the oncoming British ships that were led by Phillips. Soon later Phillips died to do a random sickness, and rumors even accused Arnold of poisoning him due to his position being higher. Many of the members agreed that Arnold was beneficial to the army but not to be trusted, but General Clinton waited for him to prove their point. Although he was helpful to the Continental Armies success, he proved to have less of an impact on the British. He soon later gave up on the British and decided to migrate to Canada, where he continued his career has a merchant. While participating in his new job, he sailed to an area for supplies, not knowing that it was invaded with newly French men. They were suspicious of his reasons and made him a prison due to the assumption that he was a British spy. He eventually found a way to escape and disappeared in the darkness without being caught. The British found this to be heroic and asked him to be a commander of a relief party (Mary …show more content…
Believing he would gain more power and money proved to be wrong. Although he contributed to America’s independence, his choice to become a traitor made Americans lose all respect they once had. Arnold is a prime example of a person who took a jump for something better but ended up receiving worse. His motivations were revolved around money and praise, but instead quite the