In the accounts of the American Revolution, a few names stand tall as symbols of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom. Figures like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin often get praised as the iconic heroes of this tumultuous period.

But where there’s light, there’s a shadow. And lurking in that shadow is the story of Benedict Arnold—a name synonymous with betrayal.

To understand the magnitude of Arnold’s treason, one must first grasp his pivotal role in the early stages of the American Revolution. A gifted military strategist and a brave soldier, Arnold had once been a shining star in the fledgling American army. 

Benedict Arnold’s oath of allegiance (Wikimedia Commons)

His audacious exploits on battlefields were the stuff of legends. But ambition, perceived slights, and perhaps a sense of disillusionment took hold somewhere along the line.