Traitor or hero? Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold's name is associated most with the word "traitor," however, he was a brilliant, victorious leader during the early years of the War for American Iindependence. Arnold oversaw the construction of the gunboats on Lake Champlain and commanded the fleet that stalled the British advance on the colonies in October 1776. Some argue that Arnold's brilliance on the lake saved the colonies from an early loss to the stronger British forces.
Arnold then went on to play a pivotal role at the Battle of Saratoga in New York. While disobeying a commanding officer, Arnold took charge of three army regiments and ultimately forced a British surrender. This victory convinced the French that the American cause was not lost and they threw support to the Americans.
Arnold saw first hand the struggles of
