Why did Benedict Arnold betray his country?

Answer 1

Benedict Arnold betrayed America because his british wife wanted him home, he also wanted the money. Which he received little of after his huge help to the british.

Benedict Arnold was a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and is known as a traitor to the United States forces and plotting to surrender the American fort at West Point, New York, to the British during the American Revolution.

Arnold distinguished himself as a hero of revolution early in the war through acts of cunning and bravery in the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga, the Invasion of Canada (1775), the Battle of Valcour Island in Lake Champlain in 1776, the battles of Danbury and Ridgefield in Connecticut (after which he was promoted to Major General), and the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. He was wounded several times and inspite of his many successes, he was passed over for promotion by the Continental Congress because he was not trusted. Arnold also opposed the alliance with France. He became heavily indebted, and was accused of corruption. He also married a Loyalist girl, Peggy Shippen. Frustrated and disaffected, Arnold turned to treason.

In September 1780, he formulated his scheme. If he had succeeded, British forces would have controlled the Hudson River valley and split the colonies in half. The plot was thwarted, but Arnold escaped to British forces. He received a commission and a small reward. The British gave him small commands, but did not trust him.

After the war, he lived in Canada and Britain, dying poor and obscure in 1801.

He didnt get the credit for the three wars he fought in and won.

Answer 2

he wanted a higher rank and a better pay, for he was deeply in debt

however, he mostly betrayed his country for his wife, margaret. if you research her, she is the real 'benedict arnold'. she had relations with another british soldier named andre and she got benedict to switch sides. there wasnt exactly an affair though but all of it was his wifes idea.

Answer 3

Benidict Arnold Committed treason agaist the young United States by tring to turn the West Point Fort, one of the key forts to the Britsh, over to the British. He wanted this because for years he was payed little or nothing at all by the Americans.