What did benedict arnold do ?
Arnold was passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress while other general officers took credit for his many accomplishments. As his personal debts mounted, Congress investigated his accounts, and charges of corruption were brought by political adversaries. Frustrated, bitter, disaffected by the assaults on his honor and strongly opposed to the new American alliance with France, Arnold changed sides. In July 1780, he sought and obtained command of West Point in order to surrender it to the British. Arnold's scheme was detected when American forces captured British Major John André carrying papers that revealed Arnold's plan.
What would America look like today if Liberal Benedict Arnold had gotten his way?
First of all, let's not start with the "Benedict Arnold was a conservative, because he was committed to the Crown" or what have you. Benedict Arnold was a liberal, because he believed in Big Government and because he had no problem giving away secrets that would cause harm to many people. Benedict Arnold had no problem betraying his fellow man and selling him out to the government..... a telltale sign of being a liberal. What do you think America would look like today, or rather, what would the world look like today if Liberal Benedict Arnold had succeeded and gotten his way?
Why did Benedict Arnold betray George Washington and the American army?
He was jealous of Washington so he switched sides to be number one to someone.
Was Benedict Arnold a traitor or a patriot?
Like many of the best men of the American Revolution, Arnold was a dynamic and charismatic figure who inspired those he led with his commitment to the cause. But hand and glove with such character can also come ambition. Arnold expected compensation for what he gave to the cause.Unfortunately for him he was in the wrong military Department to see that done for him. General Gage was of the same character as Arnold and had no use for competition. Arnold had saved the gone wrong attack on Canada. He got the expedition back to Lake Champlain where he, the owner of a shipping line, constructed a fleet of long boats with mounted field artillery that engaged and beat back his pursuers. His tactical leadership, along with Ethan Allen, beat Burgoyne; although it was Gage who took the command credit and attempted to dethrone Washington with it.Finally under Washington’s command, he could gain some solace in the General’s admiration. Washington asked him to be patient and heal. He was dry docked in Philadelphia where Tory attention turned him to think he would gain compensation by flipping. Once he was ready to be useful to the British he was persuaded to ask for command at West Point, a strategic choke point on the Hudson, just north of New York. From there liaison with the British plotted the overthrow of the place.Fortunately for the Continentals, vigilant sentries intercepted the go between and found papers damning to Arnold, who evaded capture and joined the British in New York. The British made Arnold a brigadier general and did use him in operations in Virginia. The British failure in the Colonies found Arnold abandoned in England, on half pay and know as a traitor to both sides.Kenneth Roberts, novelist, wrote two works on Arnold in his patriotic phase, Arundel and Rabble in Arms. Given the context, they are very sympathetic to Arnold. Roberts has paid for this with frothy condemnation from the ultra right.Objectively, Arnold did betray the colonial cause and wore the red of the enemy. But it is constructive to understand the complex reality that underscores the final outcome. The “great traitor” did make possible one of the Continental greatest military achievement of the war.
What was the justification given by Benedict Arnold for his betrayal in the Revolutionary War? Did he regret his deeds?
Why regret it?! Imagine working in a company where you are one of the most competent employees. What would you do if you were paid less than the incompetent, you were constantly passed over for promotions, you reported to the incompetent, and to top it all off, you fell victim to Workplace Bullying as well?! What would you do?! Would you stay?! If not, please don’t condemn Benedict Arnold, because that is what he went through before he committed treason. To be honest, WE HAD IT COMING!
Was Benedict Arnold really a traitor?
Not really.The US didn't exist.He fought for the Continental Army. This was in the eyes of the British, a terrorist movement; similar to the IRA but not ISIS (neither of which existed at the time). He switched sides, provided information (as many spies did) and was recommissioned by the British.They demoted him one rank which under the circumstances seems quite reasonable.He resumed fighting (for the British), commanding British troops and received honours.He could be considered a “Judas” or a “Turncoat” but he is not technically a traitor — unlike George Washington.Here is a plaque outside his house in London:I used to walk past it most days.It is unlike most British plaques in that it isn't blue and was commissioned by a relative of Arnold's.Notice the Union Jack where the stars are on the US flag — like Australia. This flag — the “Grand Union” was used by the Continentals at the time of the Revolutionary War.
What was Benedict Arnold's impact on the American Revolutionary War?
Benedict Arnold's name is synonymous with treason, betrayal, and defection. Instead of remembering Arnold for his battlefield successes, both Americans and the world think of him as a traitor to the American nation in its most formative stages. In fact, the term, "Benedict Arnold" is synonymous with someone who cannot be trusted, a turncoat, or just being plain undependable. In the annals of American history, the sacred honor to which he aspired was unfortunately not to be Benedict Arnold's legacy. Ironically, if Arnold had been killed at Saratoga instead of only being wounded there, he may have gone down in history as one of the greatest heroes of the American Revolutionary War. Indeed, a monument at Saratoga is dedicated to his memory. Called the "Boot Monument," it does not mention Arnold's name, but it is dedicated: In memory of the most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army who was desperately wounded on this spot… 7th October, 1777, winning for his countrymen the decisive battle of the American Revolution and for himself the rank of Major General.