What was Benedict Arnold's occupation before the American Revolutionary War?
Q: What was Benedict Arnold's occupation before the American Revolutionary War?
A: Before the American Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold was a merchant who sailed ships on the Atlantic Ocean.
Q: What actions did he take during the war?
A: During the war, Benedict Arnold took part in several battles and campaigns, including the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, defensive and delaying tactics after losing the Battle of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain, the Battle of Ridgefield in Connecticut (where he was promoted to major general), relieving the Siege of Fort Stanwix, and actions in the Battles of Saratoga.
Q: Why did Arnold switch sides from Continental Army to British Army?
A: Arnold switched sides from Continental Army to British Army because he became angry about being passed over for promotion and being told to pay money even though he had already given much of his own money to the army. He decided to change sides in 1779 and began secretly talking with British forces. In July 1780, he asked for command of West Point with plans to surrender it to them.
Q: How did Arnold escape capture when his plot was revealed?
A: When Major John André was captured carrying papers that revealed Arnold's plot, Arnold quickly ran away down Hudson River towards a British ship called HMS Vulture. He managed to escape capture by George Washington's forces.
Q: What rewards did Britain give him for switching sides?
A: For switching sides Britain gave him a position as brigadier general in their army along with an annual pension of £360 and a lump sum payment of over £6,000.
Q: Where did Arnold move after leaving America?
A: After leaving America at end of American Revolution War, Benedict moved to London with his second wife Peggy Shippen Arnold where they settled permanently until his death ten years later.
