Benedict Arnold I

Aired in 1995, this A&E Biography recounts the life of American revolutionary war hero/traitor Benedict Arnold. One of the most ardent and courageous of the field commanders of the war, he gradually became disillusioned with the cause, and plotted to surrender West Point to the British in 1779.

Executive Producers: Graig Haffner, Donna E. Lusitana,
Producer: Eric H. Lindstrom
Segment Producer: Deborah M. Davis

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Benedict Arnold
• American Revolution
• Rev War
• George Washington
• Ticonderoga
• Burgoyne
• West Point
• Ethan Allen
• Peggy Shippen
• Saratoga
• John Andre

[SaltySangster]

Funny, i was taught he was a great leader, although i am from Canada.

[woodbineRed]

@SaltySangster He was a great military leader, which is why his betrayal was so bitterly resented. Among soldiers, he had rock-star status. There were other American traitors, such as Benjamin Church, but we rarely hear about them because they weren't admired to the same extent that Arnold was.

[GothicKnight2]

What exactly did the guy say at 1:25 ?

[woodbineRed]

@GothicKnight2 I think he said, "Thus no one names their son "Benedict" in America."

[imperatorcaesar100]

I wonder if the story of Benedict Arnold wanting to die in his old continental army officer's uniform was factual, or fictional?

[woodbineRed]

I've read that the story is apocryphal, though it's an interesting sign of the ambivalent feelings Americans had toward Arnold. If a fiction, someone obviously wanted to believe that at the end he repented his treason.

[EustaceQuinley]

The narrator says Thames River at 3:55 ... isn't it pronounced "Tims"? This is an A&E doc... No wonder the terrorist hate us... lol

[GUALLACOL]

What kills mankind is the Ego!!! Benedict was a fine general, but he was in for Glory!!!

[1988scottcarey]

didn't canadians wound this man as a lesson

[Christobanistan]

After all he did for the American cause, because of his selfishness and ego, none of it matters. It's a cautionary tale.

[m2diggs]

Does Arnold have any living descendants?

[gturner38]

@Monkey4banannas Arnold was active in the anti-tax activites that led to the war, so I would think he was honestly on the colonial side. From what I read, one of the potential causes for his treason against the Americans was simply pride. He didn't necessarily get the credit he felt he deserved, wasn't promoted and given commands as quickly as he thought he should, so that could have led to him switching. As it is, the failure of his plot ensured he did as much as anyone to win independence.

[Monkey4banannas]

The thing is though, did Arnold always see his loyalty with the crown or did he decide to change sides after an experience? I suppose the same goes for Washington did he always plan to start a war of independence or did he just do it on a wimp?

[alexthelizardking]

maine would be named "Arnoldton" now had he died in saratoga