The True Exploits of Ben Arnold: An Annotated Guide to the Treacherous Life and Times of a Revolutionary War Renegade

Benedict Arnold, one of the most notorious figures in American history, was a brilliant military strategist and a courageous leader. But he was also a traitor who betrayed his country to the British during the Revolutionary War. His story is one of ambition, betrayal, and redemption.

The True Exploits of Ben Arnold (Annotated)

by Ben Arnold

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Language	:	English
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Early Life and Military Career

Benedict Arnold was born in Norwich, Connecticut, in 1741. He was the son of a successful merchant, and he received a good education. Arnold was a gifted student, and he excelled in mathematics and science. He also had a strong interest in military history.

When the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Arnold was quick to join the Continental Army. He was appointed a captain in the Connecticut militia, and he quickly rose through the ranks. Arnold was a natural leader, and he was soon given command of his own regiment.

Arnold fought with distinction at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. His victory at Saratoga was a turning point in the war, and it helped to convince the French to join the war on the side of the Americans. Arnold was promoted to brigadier general for his role in the victory.

Treason and Betrayal

In 1780, Arnold was given command of the American forces at West Point, New York. West Point was a strategically important location, and it was essential to the American cause.

Arnold had been secretly negotiating with the British for several months, and he had agreed to surrender West Point to them. In September 1780, Arnold met with British spy Major John André to finalize the details of the plot.

However, André was captured by American soldiers, and the plot was discovered. Arnold fled to the British lines, and he became a general in the British Army.

Aftermath of the Treason

Arnold's betrayal was a devastating blow to the American cause. It nearly cost the Americans the war, and it shattered the reputation of one of their most trusted generals.

Arnold remained with the British for the rest of the war. He fought against the Americans at the Battle of Yorktown, and he was instrumental in the British surrender.

After the war, Arnold went to England, where he lived in exile. He died in London in 1801.

Legacy of Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold is a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant military strategist and a courageous leader, but he was also a traitor who betrayed his country. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the importance of loyalty.

Arnold's legacy is still debated today. Some historians view him as a hero who was unjustly accused of treason. Others view him as a villain who betrayed his country for personal gain.

Annotated Bibliography

• The Life and Treason of Benedict Arnold by Isaac N. Arnold (1880). This is a classic biography of Arnold that provides a detailed account of his life and career.
• Benedict Arnold: A Traitor in Our Midst by James Kirby Martin (1997). This is a more recent biography of Arnold that focuses on his motivations for treason.
• The Plot to Seize West Point by David G. Chandler (2008). This book provides a detailed account of Arnold's plot to surrender West Point to the British.
• Benedict Arnold: The Revolutionary War Hero Who Became a Traitor by Willard Sterne Randall (2014). This book is a popular history of Arnold's life and career.

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The True Exploits of Ben Arnold (Annotated)

by Ben Arnold

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	407 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	221 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE