Benedict arnold treason why

The Bill of Rights Institute engages, educates, and empowers individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. During the first six years of the American Revolution, no one sacrificed more for the cause than Benedict Arnold of Connecticut. In , he led a failed American invasion of Canada, in which the participants nearly died from starvation and exposure traversing the wilderness of Maine. Most important, in the fall of , General Arnold played the critical role in forcing the British to surrender at Saratoga, NewYork.

This victory convinced France to enter in to an alliance guaranteeing American Independence. In securing that critical success, Arnold suffered grievous wounds that cost him a couple of inches of bone in one of his legs and left him disabled. But as the war wore on, many lost their enthusiasmand dropped out of the cause, leaving Arnold increasingly disgusted by the apathy of his fellow countrymen.

Others expressed their frustration either by simply resigning and going home, or by organizing themselves to lobby Congress fora redress of grievances. Officers pressured Congress to recognize their services by voting them a military pension and to provide for the widows and orphans of those killed in action.

But the tactless Arnold lacked the patience for collective action. Instead he preferred to take lonely and dramatic stands on his own. Thanks to the loyal support of his commanding officer, General George Washington,Congress grudgingly awarded Arnold the position,but refused him the seniority he merited.

Arnold saw this as Congress being petty. Joseph Warren, killed at Bunker Hill. When all else failed, Arnold opened his own wallet to help the suffering Warren family. Arnold was wounded seriously at Saratoga, and Washington put Arnold in charge of the city of Philadelphia after the British ended their occupation.

Andre was a top aide to British commander Sir Henry Clinton. The young major also led the British spy network and had been in secret talks with Arnold for some time.

The British, and many Americans blamed Arnold for the death of the popular Major Andre, and many people resented that it was Andre, and not Arnold, who swung from the gallows. The men had corresponded using coded letters.

Arnold would arrange for the British to easily take over the American facility of West Point, which Arnold commanded. The price was 20, pounds and a British military command for Arnold. A manhunt ensued, but Arnold made it to the safety of a British ship only to return to the field of battle wearing a British uniform. He led brutal attacks on patriot civilian communities in Virginia and Connecticut throughout What on earth was his motive? Richard Bell associate professor of history at the University of Maryland, reconstructs the life and times of Benedict Arnold, the reasons for this treason, and the larger problems of betrayal and desertion that dogged the Continental Army throughout the war.

Benedict Arnold lived out his exile from America in England.