The early life of Benedict Arnold molded him into a daring, power- and money- hungry man. When Benedict was 14, alcoholism drove his father to financial ruin, and Arnold spent the next several years of his early life regaining the status that he had lost. He became a druggist and book seller, and joined the Masons, the most powerful group in the colonies at the time, hoping to improve his social standing. When trade restrictions were placed on the colonies by the British, Arnold became a smuggler, an occupation which continued throughout his life. Althought he had a great impact on the course of history, Arnold was motivated primarily by self-interest, as reflected in his motto, "For himself, and for all." When he felt everything he had worked for was being threatend by the British, he was motivated to join the local militia. In May of 1775, Arnold, then Colonel of the Massachusetts militia, engineered a plan to sieze artillery at the British-controlled Fort Ticonderoga, intending to use the weapons to bombard British positions in Boston. Although Ticonderoga was siezed without firing a shot, Arnold greatly exaggerated his participation in the operation. Due to his behavior at Ticonderoga, Arnold developed some lifelong rivalries in Congress and the military, rivals who would later affect his court martial.

Arnold joined the Continental Army in August of 1775, and convinced Congress that if Quebec were taken, the Canadian population would offer their support to the fledgling nation. This would, in turn force the British to surrender, ending the war early and propelling Arnold into a prominent military position . Unfortunately, several events caused this plan to fail. On the way to Canada, one of Arnold's commanders deserted with much of the contingent's supplies and a large number of men. As a result, the attack on Quebec was delayed until December 31st, leaving the British ample time to fortify the city and bring in reinforcements. Arnold led a valiant charge into the city, launching it at midnight during a blizzard to catch the British off guard. However, the snow ruined the gun powder and his soldiers were unable to fight; 400 were taken prisioner During the attack, Arnold was shot in the leg, and the battle earned him the reputation as a Patriot-Hero.

His greatest military victory came at the second Battle of Saratoga, a turning point in the Revolution. British forces were attempting to move south along the Hudson river to join with forces under General Howe. On October 7th, 1777 these forces, under the command of Major General Burgoyne, attacked the Continential Headquarters on Bemis's Heights. Arnold rallied his men and attacked the advancing British. Waving his sword above his head, he rode on horseback through heavy fire, spurring his men onward, but as he stormed Burgoyne's headquarters, he was shot in the leg and his horse was killed. The horse fell upon him and crushed his injured leg, and Arnold was borne off the battle field on a stretcher. His heroics ensured that five thousand British soldiers would surrender on that day.

As a result of Saratoga, France recognized the United States's claim of independence and offered their support against the British. Arnold, however, was dissatisfied with the outcome, since his crippled leg forced him to remain in a hospital, out of the limelight for nearly six months. During this time, he brooded unjustifiably about his accomplishments going unrecognized, and his lack of promotion to the rank Major General.

Despite Arnold's military accomplishments, his unscrupulous use of army resources for his personal business led to a series of criminal charges, and in 1779, Arnold faced court-martial. In spite of this, he was so valuable to the army that he was only reprimanded, and in August, 1780, he was given command of West Point, a strategic position controlling the upper Hudson River. Hoping to advance his personal wealth, he offered his services to the British, agreeing to deliver West Point to them for the sum of 20,000 sterling (about $1 million dollars today.) He weaked the defenses of the fort by assigning men to useless tasks, so that when attacked, he would be forced to surrender. However, on September 25th, Arnold received word that his British contact had been captured, and he had no choice but to flee on a British vessel.

He spent the remainder of his life in England and Canada, with minor commands in the British army, regarded with distrust, and died in debt. As one of his former friends and comrades, Eleazer Oswald said "Happy for him and for his friends it had been, had the ball which pierced his leg at Saratoga been directed through his heart; he then would have finished his career in glory."

Born: January 14, 1741

Died: June 14, 1801

Married twice, first to Magaret Mansfield (d. 1775) and later to Peggy Shippen (d. 1804.) Fathered three children by his first wife, and four by his second.

Arnold never recieved 20,000 sterling for West Point.

_{I wrote this paper for history class, so please don't plagiarize}