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History

Benedict Arnold

What is benedict arnold?

· James MacDonald

Key facts

Born 14 January 1741, Norwich, Connecticut[2]
Died 14 June 1801, London, England[2]
Role American military officer[2]
Later allegiance British Army[1]

Benedict Arnold was an American military officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later defected to the British, becoming known as a traitor in U.S. history.

Context

Benedict Arnold was an American military officer who served in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and later defected to the British. He rose to the rank of major general before his defection in 1780 [1]. The National Park Service notes he was the only man to serve as a general on both sides of the war [3]. After his defection, his name became synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States [1]. He was born in Norwich, Connecticut, and died in London, England [2].

Documented claims

  • Arnold rose to the rank of major general before defecting to the British in 1780. [1]
  • He was the only man to serve as a general on both sides of the American Revolutionary War. [3]
  • After his defection, his name became synonymous with treason and betrayal in the United States. [1]

Questions and answers

Why did Benedict Arnold betray the American cause?

The sources do not specify his reasons for defecting, but he switched allegiance to the British in 1780 [1].

Was Benedict Arnold hanged?

No, he was not hanged. He died on 14 June 1801 in London, England [2].

What was Benedict Arnold famous for?

He was famous for being an American military officer who defected to the British, becoming a symbol of treason in U.S. history [1].

Sources

  1. Benedict Arnold — nps.gov (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Benedict Arnold — battlefields.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. Benedict Arnold — americanrevolutioninstitute.org (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in History