The Worst Betrayals in History

During war, knowing who you can trust is a matter of immeasurable importance - whether it’s on the battlefield itself, or determining the fate of an operation in the war room. Betrayal of this trust can have catastrophic consequences that ripple far beyond personal grievances, impacting the entire trajectory of war and human history. Throughout the centuries, human conflicts have witnessed their fair share of betrayals, backstabs, bribes and sabotage. Here are 5 of the most treacherous betrayals in History.

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Credit:
Show Created by Daniel Turner (B.A. (Hons) in History, University College London)
Script: Natasha Martell
Narrator:

Chris Kane

[corymorimacori]

“Ghost, come in! This is Price! We're under attack by Shepherd's men in the boneyard! Soap, hold the left flank! Do not trust Shepherd! I say again, do not trust Shepherd! Soap, get down!” Captain Price

[jamestown]

The death penalty was actually abolished in Norway at the time. The Norwegian government brought it back *just* for Quisling.

[DelinquentChibi]

The betrayal and assassination of Oda Nobunaga by Akechi Mitsuhide. Maybe not one of the worst of all time, but definitely one of the most well-known.

[LegendStormcrow]

This is somehow the first time I've heard of Arnold having reasons to betray beyond "they were mean to me."

[arthurbrumagem]

In 68 in Vietnam a 400 man marine unit unexpectedly engaged around 4000 entrenched NVA regulars. They called for help from an ARVN armor unit who just held back and refused to engage the enemy for the most part. At that points in my mind they became the enemy as well. The marines prevailed with air and artillery assets

[obvious-troll]

"There's been a rebellion sir, don't worry the situation is under control. I'm sorry sir, its time for you to leave"

[mrfacestab]

Major General Nikita Dragovich betrayed his Russian soldiers to use them as test subjects for NOVA-6

[badnews]

Can't believe Shawn Micheals putting Marty Janetty through the barber shop window isn't on here

[shem]

There's also this betrayal that's rather overshadowed and underrated. General Luna, who is a Philippine hero and practically the only General during the American Colonization,
Well known for his unusual tactics, bravery, and most importantly his commitment to serve the Philippine Republic

was the only one who was willing to fight against the Americans and could fight them effectively while the President Amilio Alginaldo and and the Government was sure that they would grant them independence from the Spanish and rejected, their previous rulers and rejected his ideas. When Luna was called he was only lead into a trap, assassinated by his own people

[armaholic]

As a Greek I'm glad someone remembered how disgusting the betrayal of 1204 was. I think an honorable mention would be Tsar Peter of Russia peacing out with Prussia as soon as he came to power while Russia was on the verge of victory after years of fighting.

[Petaljane]

My great-uncle was an officer among the Canadian battalions sent to Hong Kong in 1941. He survived 4 years in a Japanese POW camp. He rarely spoke of it but lived to 99! Thanks for including this betrayal/debacle.

[Philippefr]

I'm French, but I hardly see the sinking of the French fleet by UK as a betrayal. Unfortunately for the sailors lost, Admiral Darlan and all the French government collaborated actively with the Nazis. Darlan even fired upon the US troops during the landing in North Africa. There is no doubt that this fleet would have ended-up in the hands of the Nazis

[TheSeventhChild]

Somerville must have been the happiest Englishman ever. He got to stick it to both the French AND the Germans in one move.

[matsoudo]

My grand grand-father was at Mers-El-Kebir, he was onboard the ship that managed to flee from Oran's docks, the Strasbourg, sister-ship of the Dunkerque which were almost sunked there. Out of all ships the one with the most unfortunate fate was the Bretagne. A shell landed in the boilers causing a fire on all the bridge line, until it reached some ammo storage which blew up before the ship turned over and sunk.

[Kenny_]

you left out ALOT about the attack on mers-el-kebir, like the complete incompetance of the french officers who were so pompus and stuck up that they refused to listen to anything the british officers were saying, even going so far as refusing to take messages from british messengers because they were not high enough rank to talk to them.

[awesomehpt]

I think the polish home army being abandoned by the Soviets during the Warsaw uprising should be in this video.

Along with Constantinople being abandoned by the West during the siege in 1453.

[chrisortega]

In Benedict Arnold's defense, he had his Valor stolen by other American commanders. He wanted his due glory but was never recognized.

[GritimoTheOdd]

Mars el Kabir wasn't just a betrayal, It was a full on circus of incompetence, miscommunication and pride escalating a situation when it really didn't need to. Some notable incidents include:
The French admiral not relaying the complete list of conditions the British gave him to the French government when asking for instructions. The French admiral refused to speak or discuss the terms with the British representative because the British officer was a Captain and thus beneath his own rank. The British had sent the captain because he spoke fluent French while the Admiral in charge of the fleet did not speak French.
I would recommend Drachniefel's video on the incident, there is so much to this incident this video doesn't have enough time to go over a third of it accurately.

[Goodiesfanful]

Vidkun Quisling was so hated that the name Vidkun went out of favour in Norway. The weird thing is, in his mind, what he was doing was totally patriotic and serving his country. He maintained this belief right up the end, including when he faced the firing squad. Even weirder, Hitler betrayed him a bit. He continued to serve Hitler, but Hitler lost interest in him. He got a flash car out of Hitler, though.

[UnTipazo]

N°1: Alterac's betrayal of the Human Alliance during the Second War, truly a moment in history