Benedict Arnold: The Revolutionary War in Four Minutes

On October 7, 1777, 243 years ago, Benedict Arnold led a furious charge at The Battles of Saratoga which resulted in an American victory. Never receiving what Arnold believed to be proper recognition or payment, he eventually betrayed General George Washington and became on officer in the British Army.

Historian Jim Percoco talks about the life and legacy of Benedict Arnold. Discover the role that Benedict Arnold played during the Revolutionary War, as both a Patriot and a traitor. Discover why and under what circumstances Arnold joined the British cause, and decide for yourself whether he deserves the title of "the American version of Judas Iscariot!"

[AmericanBattlefieldTrust]

In today's Rev War In4 Rebrand, we take a look at the life and legacy of Benedict Arnold, who 243 years ago today on October 7, led a furious charge at The Battles of Saratoga, leading to an American victory. Of course, Arnold never received what he viewed as proper recognition or payment, and eventually betrayed General George Washington and became an officer in the British Army. Thanks for supporting American history and battlefield preservation!

[franciaortega]

This the best version video on Benedict Arnold. I’ve understood more with this video than with others that are much longer. THANK YOU 😊

[joejankoski]

Understand the short format. He was also censured and stood trial (Court Martialled) while Military Governor of Philadelphia - some might suggest - on baseless charges brought by a political rival. This combined with his marriage to Shippen was really what led to his betrayal. He could have survived both independently and remained loyal. But not both.

[LesHaskell]

I have two ancestors who were under the command of Benedict Arnold. One was in Lt. Col. Christopher Greene's Battalion on the expedition to Quebec and the other was in the Queen's Rangers a bit later.

[davidhull]

I am an indirect descendant of BA. My mother’s maiden name was Arnold, as is my middle name. Thanks for an even handed report, although I do wish that you’d told us about his excellent military service before Saratoga also. Arnold was just no good at playing the political game, and Washington was surrounded by Arnold’s enemies who lost no opportunity to bad mouth him. I have had the honor to visit the battlefield on the anniversary in 2007. I did have to prod the park ranger to say anything positive about him!

[JBBRAD]

Young women are great but they sure will get you in trouble

[claud]

Everything I have read about Arnold says he was a passionate man and could be abrasive and very hot-headed, making as many followers as enemies. These enemies form an anti-Arnold group that seeks to stymie his advancement, something Arnold could not tolerate. He could not take criticism or any questioning of his authority. His treason is like his own character, all or nothing. Not content to defect when Andre was captured, he led raids into his own home state, something he would know would brand him as the most villainous of traitors in America.

He is only surpassed by Charles Lee, who, while in captivity, sent a plan to General Howe to help defeat the rebels. After his release, he was never the same and became more petulant and difficult. It is possible that the thought his treason might come to light made him eve more high-strung than usual, and he was a difficult man. It is easy to surmise that Arnold, had he not been discovered, would have been bolder and taken more risks, as that was his nature while he nursed his various wrongs. If Andre had not been caught, giving Arnold time to escape, he most certainly would have been found out and received the same fate as his accomplice.

[jolene]

i personally think that arnold's story was sad. after the battle of saratoga, he had to walk with a cane, he didnt get promoted or ANY credit for what he did, and he was basically left all alone with his left leg 2 inches shorter than his right. after that, he married peggy and fell victim to debt, and then stole money from pa becuase peggy told him so. he gets caught and humiliated in public by his best friend, george washington. he was an honorable man with a sad life that changed him into a traitor. i think that he was a pretty cool guy even though he switched sides. after the war, nobody really respected him in britain since his plan failed and everyone in america hated him. he died from gout and suffered 4 days of delirium. benedict arnold had a sad, sad life, but he was an amazing general and soldier that just happened to be misled.

[niltomega]

Had Britain won Arnold would be a hero.
Often the label hero or traitor is attained by being on the winning or losing side.

[skorpa]

No! No! No! You cannot compare Benedict to Judas Iscariot. Benedict may be forgiven but Judas betrayed the LORD of all.

[andrewemery]

The man was a Hero who saw the error of his ways and left evil to fight for good.

[vonwagner]

But the same people calling BA a traitor don't call Robert E Lee the same thing. Weird

[Hari-cztk]

so... he's not really a traitor at all... he just thought the British would do a better job at running America 😗

[mustardseedoffaith]

All because of a woman....imagine that.

[heathmcrigsby]

How pumped would you be listening to Drowsy Maggie while marching into war.

[xxSKAGhosTxx]

Seems like he got shafted by America for all he did for them. This is why you don't neglect your most valuable assets. The first Betrayal was the US government for not promoting their best strategist. Man did everything to earn it.

[Wm.Havens]

Summarizing Arnold with no mention of the burning of New London and the Battle of Groton Heights on September 6, 1781?

[redjirachi]

The real villain of America wasn't Benedict Arnold, it was Jefferson Davis

[galeholford]

I can’t wait for Broadway to make this a play and turn everyone into blacks except Washington and Peggy.

[RealityOrganized]

Arnold's defection was primarily due to his wife, and his debt.