Benedict Arnold’s Treason

Benedict Arnold

Objectives:

Learn how Arnold went from celebrated hero to despised villan.

Heroic Acts

Fort Ticonderoga March and Attack on Quebec

Heroic Acts

Valcour Bay Oriskany

SaratogaWithout orders, took command of men and capture the key British position on the battlefield. Was then wounded when a musket ball

smashed his thigh.

PhiladelphiaAfter being wounded at Saratoga, Arnold was appointed Military Governor of Philadelphia. While recovering from his wound, he

married Peggy Shippen and purchase d the Mount Pleasant Mansion

West Point

After falling deeply in debt, being court martaled, he requests and is granted command of West Point on the Hudson River.

John Andre

Arnold negotiates with Andre through the night of September 21, 1780. They discussed how West Point could be captured.

Andre’s CaptureArnold was captured by three highwayman (robbers). In his

boot were plans to capture West Point. The plans were sent to West Point, Arnold received them, and knew he was caught.

Arnold EscapesArnold escapes and rows downstream to a British warship,

“The Vulture”.

Arnold’s Visitor

Unknown to Arnold, he has a surprise visitor that day: George Washington.

Negotiations for AndreThe British try to negotiate for the release of Andre. But

Washington will accept only one person in exchange: Benedict Arnold.

Andre Executed

Andre was found guilty of spying and sentenced to death. He requested a firing squad but that was denied. He was hanged on October 2, 1780.

ArnoldArnold served for the British Army in Virginia and Connecticut.

Later LifeAfter the war he and Peggy lived in England a poor man.

Arnold’s Death

Arnold died June 14, 1801. His name is now synonymous with traitor.