Benedict Arnold

:For other people of the same name, see Benedict Arnold (disambiguation).

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Benedict Arnold (January 14, 1741 — June 14, 1801) is America's most notorious traitor. A general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, he defected to the British side when he became disaffected due to perceived grievances he had suffered at the hands of the Continental Congress and the military. Corruption charges filed against him by Pennsylvania civil authorities and his mounting debts also contributed to his decision to switch sides. He strongly opposed and was very indignant at the decision by the Continental Congress to form an alliance with France, having experienced a bitter defeat at the hands of the French and their Indian allies during the French and Indian War.

Related Topics:
January 14 - 1741 - June 14 - 1801 - Traitor - General - Continental Army - American Revolutionary War - Defected - British - Continental Congress - France - French and Indian War

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In 1780 he formed a plot to take control of the fort at West Point, New York, and hand it over to the British. This would have given the Tory forces control of the Hudson River valley and split the colonies in half. The plot was thwarted, but Arnold successfully evaded capture by Continental forces. As a reward he was given a commission as Brigadier General in the British Army, along with a reduced award of £6000 sterling.

Related Topics:
West Point, New York - Tory - Hudson River - Colonies - Brigadier General - £

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The name Benedict Arnold has become an eponym for "traitor" in the English language, particularly in the United States.

Related Topics:
Eponym - Traitor - United States

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