The Rise of Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold was born January 14, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut, into a wealthy family, but his father lost his fortune when Benedict was a child. At twenty, Arnold moved to New Haven, where he opened a pharmacy, married and had three children. Arnold soon expanded into the trading business, sailing his own ship to the West Indies. When Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765, Arnold joined the Sons of Liberty and began a dangerous but lucrative smuggling operation. By the early 1770s, Arnold’s high-risk-high-reward business exploits made him the wealthiest man in New Haven and in 1774, Arnold formed a militia company and was elected captain by the men.
Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses the early life of Benedict Arnold, one of the most complex men in American history, and why he still matters today.
Photo Credits:
Brown University Library
Connecticut Historical Society Museum and Library
National Library of Medicine
New York Public Library
Digital Commonwealth
Library of Congress
Пікірлер: 9
Like many of todays generals. They are great patriots right up until they are not! Please cover Cincinatus and the Society after the Revolution. Thanks for the videos!
He was a very complex man.
Am I remembering correctly that, in one of his duels that he just wounded his opponent and then walked up to him to "finish" him, his opponent begged for mercy and apologized, and at that point, Arnold turned and walked away?
@AmericanaCorner
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Yes, that is correct. The apology satisfied Arnold's sense of honor. Thank you for your question. -Tom
Wasn't he the one that gave the word turncoat it's meaning
@AmericanaCorner
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No, although Benedict Arnold certainly is an example of an American turncoat. The term originates in the middle ages when barons would change or turn their coats (of arms) when they switched fealty or loyalty to a different nobleman. Since then, the term "turncoat" has come stand for anyone who changes sides. Thank you for your question. -Tom
Interesting background on the most known traitor to our students across the nation!
And also a traitor.
Wtf? The traitor is a hero?