Benedict Arnold (General and Turncoat)

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Profession: General and Turncoat

Biography: Benedict Arnold was an American general during the American Revolutionary War who initially fought for the American Continental Army but later defected to the British. His name has become synonymous with the term "traitor" in the United States due to his notorious switch of allegiance.

Arnold's early military career was notable for its brilliance, particularly during the invasion of Canada and the Battle of Saratoga. He was instrumental in the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, a pivotal moment in the war that helped secure foreign aid for the American cause. Arnold's aggressive tactics and leadership skills played a significant role in defeating the British forces.

However, disagreements and disputes over promotions, combined with mounting financial problems, gradually soured Arnold's relationship with other American leaders. His dissatisfaction led him to contemplate shifting his loyalties, and he started secret negotiations with the British. His plan to surrender the American fort at West Point to the British was uncovered, causing him to flee to the British side in 1780.

Arnold served the remainder of the war as a brigadier general for the British. He led raids against American supply lines and coordinated British troops in the American south. However, even within the British ranks, Arnold's loyalty was often questioned, and his military career after the defection did not achieve the success he had hoped for.

After the war, he lived in London and Canada, but he never completely escaped the public's scorn for his betrayal. Today, Benedict Arnold's name remains a byword for treachery in American culture.

Born: January 14, 1741
Birthplace: Norwich, Connecticut, USA
Star Sign: Capricorn

Died: June 14, 1801 (aged 60)
Cause of Death: Delirium

Articles and Photos

Military Career

  • 1775-12-31 Battle of Quebec: American Continental Army led by Richard Montgomery is defeated trying to take the British stronghold of Quebec City in the American Revolutionary War, General Montgomery is killed and Benedict Arnold is injured
  • 1779-12-23 American revolutionary officer Benedict Arnold court-martialed for improper conduct and profiteering
  • 1780-09-21 Benedict Arnold gives British Major John André plans to West Point
  • 1780-09-23 British Major John Andre reveals Benedict Arnold's plot to betray West Point
  • 1780-09-25 American army officer Benedict Arnold defects to the British
  • 1781-01-05 British naval expedition led by Benedict Arnold burns Richmond, Virginia

Personal Life

  • 1767-02-22 US Defector General Benedict Arnold (26) weds the daughter of the sheriff of New Haven Margaret Mansfield
  • 1779-04-08 US Defector General Benedict Arnold (38) weds Peggy Shippen (18) at Shippen's townhouse in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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