On September 21, 1780, Major Benedict Arnold, a distinguished American combat officer, engaged in a secret meeting with British Major John Andre to plot the trading of the colonial stronghold at West Point for cash. The meeting took place at the home of New York loyalist Joshua Hett Smith, leading to General George Washington discovering the treachery. Arnold escaped to British-controlled New York City and served in the losing army for the remainder of the American Revolution, ultimately dying in London in 1801. Andre was captured and executed, with Arnold’s name becoming synonymous with “traitor” in American English to this day.
Historians have posited several theories as to why Arnold may have turned traitor, including greed, mounting debt, resentment towards other officers, a hatred of the Continental Congress, and a desire for the colonies to remain under British rule. Arnold was reportedly offered 20,000 British pounds to hand over the American fortification at West Point, showcasing a desire for wealth over patriotism. Despite his later treacherous actions, Arnold had previously served the cause of independence with great distinction in the early days of the American Revolution, rising to the rank of major general.
Arnold’s military career began with his involvement in the siege of Boston and the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the early stages of the Revolution. He played a key role in the victory at Saratoga, which encouraged France to join the American cause. Washington trusted Arnold enough to give him command of West Point, a crucial fortress for controlling the Hudson River. Despite this trust, Arnold ultimately defected to the British, becoming one of America’s most infamous traitors. His heroism on the battlefield made his treachery all the more shocking and appalling.
Despite Arnold’s military successes, he felt undervalued and unrecognized by his fellow officers, leading to his resignation from the Continental Army in 1777. He later married American loyalist Margaret Shippen, a British spy who played a role in facilitating the treasonous plot at West Point. Arnold reportedly received only a fraction of the promised payment for his betrayal, with Benjamin Franklin comparing him to Judas Iscariot in a letter to Marquis de Lafayette. The entanglement of personal motivations, grievances, and greed ultimately led Benedict Arnold to commit one of the most infamous acts of treachery in American history.
The legacy of Benedict Arnold as a traitor remains intact nearly 250 years after his betrayal, with his name serving as a cautionary tale of the consequences of greed and disloyalty. Despite his earlier heroism and contributions to the cause of independence, Arnold’s decision to turn against his own nation has forever tainted his reputation. The September 21 meeting with Major John Andre and the subsequent events that unfolded at West Point are a stark reminder of the complexities of human nature and the potential for individuals to prioritize personal gain over their principles and loyalty to their country.