If I was working at a job where my employer was actively sabotaging my efforts, refusing to pay wages, and promoting lesser men past me, it would only make sense to go work for a competetor.
There’s definitely a timeline in which this guy would have been an American hero. Congress and his peers did him dirty, which contributed to him changing sides. Guy took 3 wounds to the same leg for the country to not pay him or his soldiers. On top of that he was refused multiple promotions over lesser accomplished men.
@patrickmiano7901 , he may have been arrogant. But he wasn't treated well. I may not have committed treason, but I can appreciate his distaste of his treatment. He was a good General, one who should have been kept in the ranks. Policies, as always, lay ruin to civility. There is a greater story, for good or ill.
Arrogance... you don't say..... treated like shit by the Swamp Elitist Colluders..... imagine that in the US government.... who would've thot it was alive and well in American politics of even that day..... surprising that they didn't find letters attaching him to the Russians...... Push someone into a corner and see what happens...if you're stupid enough to do so..... You might just get Pearl Harboured or the troops and the rank and file might start a new political party that starts exposing the good Ole boy bs that's been going on unchecked..... He wasn't right but he wasn't AS WRONG.... Same family names at the helm today..... Best government that money can buy.....
I'm 52 this year. I knew Benedict Arnold as a turncoat. I never learned about his skill as a soldier and a leader. Thanks to the Internet, I've learned. They also didn't teach us the truth about slavery in America either.
lol it is a shame but true, I am 20 yrs old and I am glad I know Fort Ticonderoga, it is special to me because one of my Ancestor Ira Allen fought there and of course with his brother Ethan Allen and with Benedict Arnold. I am happy to see ForgottenHistory made this video and I love to watch and learn more about the revolutionary war, and of course I was never taught any of this in school I only had a semester of the Revolutionary war and even than it last only 2 months and ended on March 15 because of Con-vid. Even if I was taught anything I doubt they would mention any significate battles like Fort Ticonderoga.
I would say more younger people know who Benedict Arnold is. His name will always be in the American mind just behind Judas. He committed his betrayal in a time when records were reliably kept, so his name is forever branded on us. A thousand years from now, Arnold will be still remembered. I think.
Benedict Arnold’s wife allegedly had a major influence on Arnold’s switching sides. She was supposedly a staunch loyalist and pressed Arnold to turn to support the English crown. “Happy wife, happy life”. Any married man knows the power a woman can hold over a man.
Nonsense. A reoccurring point in this, and throughout his career was that Arnold claimed to be paying his men out of his own pocket, but later they admit some of his men left to companies that would pay them. Arnold was receiving pay from Congress for his men, and pocketing it, then writing to Congress for reimbursement, claiming it never arrived and he had to pay it out of pocket. Another point is his repeatedly being passed over for promotion and his bitterness because of it. Which was largely because of the third point: his inability to get along with or serve under anyone else. He was passed on because he was a megalomaniac..and thus his loyalty was always under question. He wanted personal glory and when he felt he wasnt getting it from the Continental Army, he fled to the other side.
Your exposing the truth about REAL history instead of the lies and distortions we have been fed are a great service to Civilization. Thank you so much for your great work.
To twice have amassed a fortune only to pay his men and be refused payment by congress on multiple occasions? I can see why he changed the colour of his jacket and obviously the British could see the value in Arnold.
Sure the British took the information Arnold gave. But I doubt they trusted, or respected him. If a man will betray his own country, he'll do the same to any other. And they knew this...
The British didn't really accept him after his betrayal. He was a known traitor that couldn't be trusted, and he became turncoat for something as petty as money. No matter the circumstances behind the need of that money, it's the least respectable reason to trade sides. It makes it look like he had no real values or morals, just a money-hungry, clout-chasing nothing of a man.
If you take nationalism out of it… you see the reality and the reasons… you were not in his boots in his life… you weren’t even alive until 200 years later to learn from the side he betrayed.. and things are way different than we know.. without just picking his side to be contrary to American history.. there is middle ground here as with many other things like the wars we’ve engaged in.. I mean… a lot of it could have been avoided and greedy people at the top… why would you not pay your soldiers? Any ciuntry that allows that does that is pathetic..
The first time I heard anything other that he was a traitor was in college. I fortunately had a history professor who from the start informed some students that they would be offended and would most likely walk out and he was right. He taught history not feelings.
Now I Benedict Arnold as both a traitor and a fallen hero. I had no clue that Arnold was such a military asset to the Continental Army. I had no clue that he was so brave on the battlefield when he fought for the Patriots. I had no clue that he took a bullet in his leg fighting for the Patriots. I had no clue that he sold his own sold assets to pay the soldiers he led in battle. Thanks for sharing some of his redeeming qualities. Keep up the great work Forgotten History.
Of Course the Brainwashing Prisons Don't teach what Really happened. IF THEY DID, Parents would Revolt and take their children out of Forced school Prisons Forever.
I grew up hiking and canoeing in Upstate New York. Even today this is difficult terrain to navigate and the flies and mosquitoes are the worst. In the 1700s this would have been old growth forests totally dense .Total respect
I think about it every time, I'm out there. Not mentioned is Arnold was really the father of our Navy. Whitehall. Bullies like Ethan Allen won the rewards, while not enough ribbon was made to honor men like Arnold.
Benedict Arnold never was a traitor. While he spent his fortune to serve the Americans, the British paid him to serve them. He was just a Soldier of Fortune, and as such he served the side that paid him.
There were times in my life where others got credit for what I did. One time my boss found out the truth and apologized but not officially. I quit my job. You can only take so much. I get it.
What the pettiness and jealousy of those establishment politicians did to this courageous patriot is unforgivable. All the names of those corrupt congressman should be exposed!🤠🇺🇲😎
Probably not. The higher ups (including the lesser officers who were unfairly promoted over Arnold because they were more connected / popular) would have quietly scrubbed his name and deeds from the records, and assigned his many accomplishments to officers who were in favor with the establishment.
@@Bsim2020 So if he hadn't turned, we wouldn't have the records of him that we do, they are mostly from before he turned and not from his time in England writing about his time with The Continentals? Possibly, but not plausibly. His men that he paid out of pocket, would not have forgotten him. He may have become more myth, than documented fact, but he would still be seen as a Hero of The Revolution.
@@sebastiansilverfox6912 2nd or 3rd. That would give his reputation long enough to be known. Though in my original comment I was thinking 3rd. You are correct. If it had done its job, it would be the last one.
Thank you for this talk. ''The rest of the story'' about Benedict Arnold is really unfortunate. He seemed to be an amazing military leader and I think America owes him a debt of gratitude. It was evil that Congress would withold workers wages to its soldiers. It was also evil that congress would refuse repeated requests for retirement of a seriously injured officer who wanted to stop fighting already. I think congress wanted his talent but didn't want to show much appreciation. I guess he had an ''enough is enough'' moment and went to the other side of the pond.
@@jason200912 Perhaps, unfortunately, America in some places has been destroying statues of heros. I have the uneasy feeling that that a stature of Benedict Arnorld would be made because of his reputation as the great traitor and not for anything good that he did.
Colin, an episode on Daniel Morgan would be appreciated. My son, who is a 2nd lieutenant in the army, did a comprehensive analysis and presentation of Mr. Morgan as part of officer training.
As a "Conspiracy Dude", a subject worth covering would be what I consider to be the REAL REASON for the "Revolutionary War": "King George III's Proclamation of 1763". --- The "Royal Proclamation of 1763" prohibited Colonial Settlers from occupying land west of the Appalachian Mountains. How'd THAT work out? As a "Conspiracy Dude", I evaluate "Results" FIRST, and "Official Reasons" SECOND. --- Washington had been a Surveyor in the Ohio area, prior to the "French-Indian War". Lots of businesses DESIRED land, west of the Appalachians. This "Benedict Arnold" Video mentions the Colonial Defeat at Fort William Henry, and the subsequent atrocities. --- My understanding, is that the "atrocities" committed (I think at Fort Henry), changed the "Protocols of War". When Washington was captured by the French, PRIOR to the French-Indian War, Washington's soldiers had to leave their weapons behind, but the soldiers themselves were ALLOWED to return home. --- I'm not a "Historian", so don't any readers quote this Comment as "Fact".
I'm a local from the area that Benedict Arnold came from. My son when he was a little boy when we would go walking near the cemetery in Norwich Town would ask to bring flowers to Hannah Arnold where she is buried. Now I go to the grocery store across the street from the school that Benedict Arnold studied in before his father's alcoholism stopped him from being able to study. Benedict Arnold used to have to go and drag his drunken father home from the Leffingwell Inn. He had a very dynamic story that is overlooked in history but his contribution to the revolutionary war was just as important as many other of the founding fathers.
Wow, much of what you said brings back memories of what my family members told me as a child. My grandmother, on my father’s side is a direct descendant. Right or wrong his life is very complicated. I wish I knew all the truth, but you did justice to his story. Another note is that my understanding is that he was an outcast in English society. No glory for traitors. His ego and pretty women was his problem.
As a US military veteran, Benedict Arnold is always a topic of discussion during basic training. We're give the facts that "we needed" to know. The US military holds a service member's credit in high importance, and in many cases it can be used at the reason why a person might be denied a promotion or a security clearance. The idea is that Benedict Arnold's betrayal was due to his poor financial situation, all because he had a wife that needed to live a lavish lifestyle. Benedict Arnold had too many debts and didn't manage them well. So he changes sides so he can be better paid. After hearing all of this, it's no wonder he was willing to change sides. The man goes broke trying to pay for his command, and he's basically told he's good for nothing. He hands the US victory after victory, and others take the credit for it. It seems to me that Arnold's true failure was in the arena of politics. I get the impression that he lacked either the mind or the stomach to fight in that arena well. It is unfortunate, because he might have been thought a hero had he simply been promoted accordingly, and if Congress had simply paid him more to help the cost of his command.
Unfortunately our history isn’t being forgotten, it’s being rewritten to better fit the narratives of today. Thanks for teaching the truth about our history weather good or bad.
The current level of treason and racketeering and murder within all branches of the government makes what Benedict Arnold did seem like a minor incident. I don’t think in history I have ever known of a government that hated its own citizens like these people do. There is a verse in the Bible that says when a man’s ways, please, the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. I think the reciprocal is true. If you see your enemies multiplying, then the most likely reason is that our ways do not please God.
Colin - nicely done again! Thanks for helping us understand the story from Arnold’s perspective & background. There are few military leaders today who would sacrifice their own interests / resources for their men.
Is it possible to do a video on the Danbury CT raid by the British and it's ensuing battles during their retreat? The Battle of Ridgefield CT? Well, the series of running battles as the British retreated to New York. Thanks for consideration, LOVE this channel and the videos!!
Hello! That is such a tragic story. He betrayed America, but I believe America betrayed him by not paying his soldiers. War is hell. Maybe they could have solved their differences better. It seems the Brits were not willing to let go when their baby country was able to step out on its own. They needed diplomats on both sides to negotiate. But of course, I wasn't there.
I remember reading in "Who's Who in Military History" by John Keegan and Andrew Wheatcroft they stated that Arnold's treason didn't help the British cause. One Whig MP remarked in an anti-war statement that "Arnold wasn't sure he betrayed his friends or not." Yet, in many ways Arnold's military record is far better than Gate's record, who was recorded as outpacing his men in the retreat from Camden.
The novel by Kenneth Robert's "Aroundel" is were this story came to life for me. The epic journey up the Kennebec River, boats destroyed, all rations ruined, crap weather and only there own resolve and faith in Arnold carried them through to Quebec. Building a fleet on lake Champlain forced the British to stop and assemble their own fleet, the opposing fleet action by Velocor Island. Arnolds actions that summer and fall delayed any invasion until the next spring. General "Granny" Gates, the "victor" at Saratoga, never mentioned Arnold's name in that affair in his letters to congress
Very interesting report. There is always more to a story than we are taught in school. Congress was remiss (as always). Signed daughter of the revolution, decendant of Ethan Allen.
I enjoy watching your videos. Truth be told, I learned more about history from channels like this and documentaries than from any history class. I hope you don't mind if I make a video suggestion. I would like to see you make a video talking about the truth about the Mexican Revolution as most of the sources talking about that event are atrociously biased.
Well, he got caught up in the politics of Congress at the time. He assured that the United States would become the United States at Saratoga. Debt is never good. Taking on debt to pay the soldiers under his command because of Congress's refusal is something else. The whole thing with Arnold is a good lesson in how the military and its funding should not be political. Of course, it is, but Generals today don't take money out of pocket to pay the troops Unless you are George Smith Patton Jr. and needed to refit the 2nd Division when he was a Major General during the Louisana Maneuvers. Congress, or I should say some members of Congress, have done and will continue to do some really seedy things.
The monument shown at the end is in the Saratoga national Battlefield in New York. It is a boot. It represents the wound that Benedict Arnold received there. The monument does not mention his name.
Colin I am a big history buff. These additional comments about Arnold I had never heard of before. I do understand Aron’s frustration with his civilian leadership at the time and the political climate. However that still continues to this day. I served in the US Air Force and endure some very similar problems. Also nothing to even remotely consider changing sides. Thank you sir for the info.
You may have been passed over for promotions and superiors given credit for your work, but you didn't have to pay your subordinates or yourself. I don't know what I would have done in his boots, but being court-martialed for profiteering because I was trying to pay the men fighting and dying with me probably would have pushed me over the edge.too.
The battle of Ridgefield CT, not ridgeland! Interesting a British cannon ball is stuck in the door frame of the Keeler tavern, south of the town. This tavern was a gathering place for the militia. The British embarked 2000 troups in Westport, who marched to Danbury, burned it, 500 troops march to Ridgefield, general Wooster was shot in the hip, during a rearguard action, he was taken back to Danbury where he had passed. The rest of the 1500 went to Norwalk, burning it also. Gaylord was the governor of that area, he had sent word to the king that the locals were gathering supplies. The book The Battle of Ridgefield explains this whole battle. Also the British have a painting of Arnold, from this battle.
Were it not for his ultimate betrayal at West Point(always a woman involved in these sorts of things somewhere in the tale it seems), Benedict Arnold would've been considered as one of the greatest fighting leaders of the Revolution.
My great ,( how many greats back?) was in the middle of all this. As a Colonial soldger with Montgomery at Qubeck his feet became frost bit. He returned home to Cold Spring and Tarrytown NY to recover. At that time, out with his friends, they captured Andrea with papers in Arnold's hand describing how West Point's defences were undermined. This included lowering the chain arcoss the Hudson. Yes, they could read. He was David Williams.
Very good. I was hoping to hear about the monument to Arnold's left foot. (Arnold was a traitor but his foot was not). I think it is in Saratoga, but I could be wrong about the location. It has been many long years since I learned about the monument. You did show a photograph of it though.
Arnold was accepted by most British officers after his defection at first because they thought he had gone back to his “proper sympathies.” They changed their mind when they learned his real motives were money, rank, and petty revenge. Then they couldn’t stand him. At least one British general told him he respected him more when he was an enemy.
So often history is miss spoke, or only the final deed is told, not the whole story. It is unfortunate how he was treated in the continental Congress, however, his final action is one that is hard to forgive.
None of that changes his legacy. Not a word I heard explains why his requests for funds were denied, except that one citation showing contempt for his alleged 'greed'. What is the best objective historical source on his relationship with Congress?
Thank You sir for such a detailed account of Ben Arnold, one can understand why this guy turned after so much b's he endured. As a former Brit 🇬🇧 I will not bandy & malign him so much now. 74+🍁 hunter Yorkshire expat
IF - He Had Been Given The Proper Recognition He Was Due, °Benedict•ArnoLd May Very WeLL Have FoLLowed Soonafter °George•Washington AS - One Of The First U.S.•Presidents & Be Considered One Of The Greatest Founding•Fathers Of This Nation !
Great telling of the story. The television series "Turn" did a pretty good job telling Bendicts story I thought as well. I knew most of the history of Benedict Arnold, and always thought he got the shitty end of the stick...
A turncoat is respected by neither side. Arnold may have turned over to the British but was not respected by them and regreted his decision for the rest of his life.
Benedict Arnold IV was my 1st cousin 4 times removed. His mother was Hannah Lathrop Waterman. Hannah's brother Eleazer Waterman was my gggggrandfather who wed Martha Adgate.
As an Australian, I’ve heard nothing of this man, although I have heard of the Battle of Quebec but knew nothing about it. I’ve also hadn’t heard of the Second Battle of Saratoga. Shame to hear that his own side forced him to become a traitor. Please keep providing more content like this 🙏
Benedict had delivered several victories for the Americans..and also snatched victory from the jaws of defeat..defeats that were almost certain due to incompetence of American officers in the ranks who had no business leading troops nor creating battle plans..Officers who had attained their commisions not by expirience,skill or leadership..but were given commisions based upon their civilian life status,family connecctions and political figures. Yet he was passed over not only for higher rank..which bothered him very little..but he was also pushed aside for planning battles and leading troops..AGAIN to allow inept officers to plan failed battles before they even began
Colin I’m a Jamaican living in the UK and you have made me fall in love with history, absolutely love your videos. Please keep them coming 👍🏾
Thank you kindly
There are dozens of better sources of history in youtube than this right-wing tool.
If I was working at a job where my employer was actively sabotaging my efforts, refusing to pay wages, and promoting lesser men past me, it would only make sense to go work for a competetor.
Soldiering after whatever job you do have different standards mat3
Been there. Not as a soldier though and no NDAs 😅.
What if the employer was your father?
Would you still help a competitor destroy the family business?
@@johnbrowning8785 Hate to do it to family, but business is business.
@@DPRK_Best_Korea Spoken like an old school "wiseguy" a "goodfellow" even.
There’s definitely a timeline in which this guy would have been an American hero. Congress and his peers did him dirty, which contributed to him changing sides. Guy took 3 wounds to the same leg for the country to not pay him or his soldiers. On top of that he was refused multiple promotions over lesser accomplished men.
He was an American Hero. What was done to him was wrong on many levels.
Basically, push a man too far, don't be surprised he makes unreasonable decisions.
He brought much of it on himself. He was always very arrogant.
@patrickmiano7901 , he may have been arrogant. But he wasn't treated well. I may not have committed treason, but I can appreciate his distaste of his treatment.
He was a good General, one who should have been kept in the ranks. Policies, as always, lay ruin to civility.
There is a greater story, for good or ill.
Arrogance... you don't say..... treated like shit by the Swamp Elitist Colluders..... imagine that in the US government.... who would've thot it was alive and well in American politics of even that day..... surprising that they didn't find letters attaching him to the Russians......
Push someone into a corner and see what happens...if you're stupid enough to do so.....
You might just get Pearl Harboured or the troops and the rank and file might start a new political party that starts exposing the good Ole boy bs that's been going on unchecked.....
He wasn't right but he wasn't AS WRONG....
Same family names at the helm today.....
Best government that money can buy.....
@@Outlier999 so arrogant he cared about his men .
@@Outlier999When you starve and beat a dog you shouldn't be surprised when he bits back.
Most American students nowadays would look at you funny if you say Fort Ticonderoga, never mind know anything about Benedict Arnold.
You're probably right
I live an hour south of Ft. Ticonderoga. This whole area is so rich with the history of the Revolutionary War.
I'm 52 this year. I knew Benedict Arnold as a turncoat. I never learned about his skill as a soldier and a leader. Thanks to the Internet, I've learned. They also didn't teach us the truth about slavery in America either.
lol it is a shame but true, I am 20 yrs old and I am glad I know Fort Ticonderoga, it is special to me because one of my Ancestor Ira Allen fought there and of course with his brother Ethan Allen and with Benedict Arnold.
I am happy to see ForgottenHistory made this video and I love to watch and learn more about the revolutionary war, and of course I was never taught any of this in school I only had a semester of the Revolutionary war and even than it last only 2 months and ended on March 15 because of Con-vid. Even if I was taught anything I doubt they would mention any significate battles like Fort Ticonderoga.
I would say more younger people know who Benedict Arnold is. His name will always be in the American mind just behind Judas. He committed his betrayal in a time when records were reliably kept, so his name is forever branded on us. A thousand years from now, Arnold will be still remembered. I think.
Benedict Arnold’s wife allegedly had a major influence on Arnold’s switching sides. She was supposedly a staunch loyalist and pressed Arnold to turn to support the English crown. “Happy wife, happy life”. Any married man knows the power a woman can hold over a man.
Nonsense. A reoccurring point in this, and throughout his career was that Arnold claimed to be paying his men out of his own pocket, but later they admit some of his men left to companies that would pay them. Arnold was receiving pay from Congress for his men, and pocketing it, then writing to Congress for reimbursement, claiming it never arrived and he had to pay it out of pocket. Another point is his repeatedly being passed over for promotion and his bitterness because of it. Which was largely because of the third point: his inability to get along with or serve under anyone else. He was passed on because he was a megalomaniac..and thus his loyalty was always under question. He wanted personal glory and when he felt he wasnt getting it from the Continental Army, he fled to the other side.
Your exposing the truth about REAL history instead of the lies and distortions we have been fed are a great service to Civilization. Thank you so much for your great work.
To twice have amassed a fortune only to pay his men and be refused payment by congress on multiple occasions? I can see why he changed the colour of his jacket and obviously the British could see the value in Arnold.
Sure the British took the information Arnold gave. But I doubt they trusted, or respected him. If a man will betray his own country, he'll do the same to any other. And they knew this...
I don’t. He had many excessive debts as well. Even Washington was frustrated with the parsimony of Congress.
He wasn't the only one treated poorly by congress, but he was the only one to turn traitor.
The British didn't really accept him after his betrayal. He was a known traitor that couldn't be trusted, and he became turncoat for something as petty as money. No matter the circumstances behind the need of that money, it's the least respectable reason to trade sides. It makes it look like he had no real values or morals, just a money-hungry, clout-chasing nothing of a man.
If you take nationalism out of it… you see the reality and the reasons… you were not in his boots in his life… you weren’t even alive until 200 years later to learn from the side he betrayed.. and things are way different than we know.. without just picking his side to be contrary to American history.. there is middle ground here as with many other things like the wars we’ve engaged in.. I mean… a lot of it could have been avoided and greedy people at the top… why would you not pay your soldiers? Any ciuntry that allows that does that is pathetic..
The first time I heard anything other that he was a traitor was in college. I fortunately had a history professor who from the start informed some students that they would be offended and would most likely walk out and he was right. He taught history not feelings.
Now I Benedict Arnold as both a traitor and a fallen hero. I had no clue that Arnold was such a military asset to the Continental Army. I had no clue that he was so brave on the battlefield when he fought for the Patriots. I had no clue that he took a bullet in his leg fighting for the Patriots. I had no clue that he sold his own sold assets to pay the soldiers he led in battle. Thanks for sharing some of his redeeming qualities. Keep up the great work Forgotten History.
There are stories, about his total disregard for his own safety.
His stature is depicted with boots in stirrups backwards.
They do a great portrayal of him in the TV series “Turn.”
@@tonys7675 I tend to forget, just how far ranging, the war was. Long Island, almost off my radar!
Another insightful video detailing what the schools don't purposefully teach.
The schools lie and call it education. Even Frank Zappa said if you want an education, read a book, but if you want indoctrination, go to school.
Of Course the Brainwashing Prisons Don't teach what Really happened. IF THEY DID, Parents would Revolt and take their children out of Forced school Prisons Forever.
I grew up hiking and canoeing in Upstate New York. Even today this is difficult terrain to navigate and the flies and mosquitoes are the worst. In the 1700s this would have been old growth forests totally dense .Total respect
I think about it every time, I'm out there. Not mentioned is Arnold was really the father of our Navy. Whitehall.
Bullies like Ethan Allen won the rewards, while not enough ribbon was made to honor men like Arnold.
Benedict Arnold never was a traitor. While he spent his fortune to serve the Americans, the British paid him to serve them. He was just a Soldier of Fortune, and as such he served the side that paid him.
"One "oh, crap" wipes out 20 atta'boys." TSgt Boulet
Best way to make my hour morning commute. Love catching a Colin Heaton FH
Thank you kindly!
Wow, honestly....I feel for the man. It makes more sense when you learn the context
There were times in my life where others got credit for what I did. One time my boss found out the truth and apologized but not officially. I quit my job. You can only take so much. I get it.
So many things I wasn’t taught in school or college! Thanks Colin
Thanks for watching.
He truly was a loyal and masterful leader of men until he wasn't.
He was always an amazing leader. Even for the british
What the pettiness and jealousy of those establishment politicians did to this courageous patriot is unforgivable. All the names of those corrupt congressman should be exposed!🤠🇺🇲😎
Great point; I agree
💯💯
If that last musket ball had done its job, Benedict Arnold would be remembered as a great American Hero of The Revolutionary War.
Unlikely. Congress would tarnish his name and claim he was drunk and gay.
Probably not. The higher ups (including the lesser officers who were unfairly promoted over Arnold because they were more connected / popular) would have quietly scrubbed his name and deeds from the records, and assigned his many accomplishments to officers who were in favor with the establishment.
@@Bsim2020 So if he hadn't turned, we wouldn't have the records of him that we do, they are mostly from before he turned and not from his time in England writing about his time with The Continentals? Possibly, but not plausibly. His men that he paid out of pocket, would not have forgotten him. He may have become more myth, than documented fact, but he would still be seen as a Hero of The Revolution.
Which one? The first, second, or third?
@@sebastiansilverfox6912 2nd or 3rd. That would give his reputation long enough to be known. Though in my original comment I was thinking 3rd.
You are correct. If it had done its job, it would be the last one.
A fascinating account of a very brave man . Also a fascinating account of how history is written by the victor whether it's true or not . Great video
Thanks for watching
Yeah, just like the 1st ( Top Post) here. That History is written by the victor Stuff makes Me Call It- THEIR STORY, NOT MY STORY.
Thank you for this talk. ''The rest of the story'' about Benedict Arnold is really unfortunate. He seemed to be an amazing military leader and I think America owes him a debt of gratitude. It was evil that Congress would withold workers wages to its soldiers. It was also evil that congress would refuse repeated requests for retirement of a seriously injured officer who wanted to stop fighting already. I think congress wanted his talent but didn't want to show much appreciation. I guess he had an ''enough is enough'' moment and went to the other side of the pond.
Perhaps a city or town will make a statue of him to increase awareness that he was not truly a traitor
@@jason200912 Perhaps, unfortunately, America in some places has been destroying statues of heros. I have the uneasy feeling that that a stature of Benedict Arnorld would be made because of his reputation as the great traitor and not for anything good that he did.
To be fair to congress they didn't have the money to pay anyone, they were incredibly broke
Well what a mess! I love learning more context from this channel. Thank you.
Colin, an episode on Daniel Morgan would be appreciated. My son, who is a 2nd lieutenant in the army, did a comprehensive analysis and presentation of Mr. Morgan as part of officer training.
Good call, thanks
Jimmy Doolittle episode please. The raid on Tokyo was 2% of his career. His sales job with Shell Oil changed military combat and technology forever.
Why spend time on someone who Doolittle? Sorry, I just can't help it.
My full interview with him is in my book "Above the Reich"
Shut up JR Rodríguez 🙄 it's his time not yours and he is the one that wants to make his people (subscribers) happy ❤
This was another fine episode that i enjoyed very much. Thank You Colin.
Best Wishes to You and Your Family.
Same to you!
👹👹👹👹👹👹
@@blancaybarra1016
Why, thank you. You honor us with not one but six self-portraits.
As a "Conspiracy Dude", a subject worth covering would be what I consider to be the REAL REASON for the "Revolutionary War": "King George III's Proclamation of 1763".
--- The "Royal Proclamation of 1763" prohibited Colonial Settlers from occupying land west of the Appalachian Mountains. How'd THAT work out? As a "Conspiracy Dude", I evaluate "Results" FIRST, and "Official Reasons" SECOND.
--- Washington had been a Surveyor in the Ohio area, prior to the "French-Indian War". Lots of businesses DESIRED land, west of the Appalachians.
This "Benedict Arnold" Video mentions the Colonial Defeat at Fort William Henry, and the subsequent atrocities.
--- My understanding, is that the "atrocities" committed (I think at Fort Henry), changed the "Protocols of War". When Washington was captured by the French, PRIOR to the French-Indian War, Washington's soldiers had to leave their weapons behind, but the soldiers themselves were ALLOWED to return home.
--- I'm not a "Historian", so don't any readers quote this Comment as "Fact".
Pretty accurate
Kenneth Roberts wrote a series of books that outlined Arnold’s heroics and tactical genius.
I'm a local from the area that Benedict Arnold came from. My son when he was a little boy when we would go walking near the cemetery in Norwich Town would ask to bring flowers to Hannah Arnold where she is buried. Now I go to the grocery store across the street from the school that Benedict Arnold studied in before his father's alcoholism stopped him from being able to study. Benedict Arnold used to have to go and drag his drunken father home from the Leffingwell Inn. He had a very dynamic story that is overlooked in history but his contribution to the revolutionary war was just as important as many other of the founding fathers.
I think it's great that your videos show both sides of the coin. This is important for many reasons.
Thank you, I have always known he had been treated badly by the Continental Army. But you filled in more details and showed the full progression.
Thank you for all the clear and easy to understand details I do not recall being taught in shool!
You are so welcome!
Wow, much of what you said brings back memories of what my family members told me as a child. My grandmother, on my father’s side is a direct descendant. Right or wrong his life is very complicated. I wish I knew all the truth, but you did justice to his story. Another note is that my understanding is that he was an outcast in English society. No glory for traitors. His ego and pretty women was his problem.
As a US military veteran, Benedict Arnold is always a topic of discussion during basic training.
We're give the facts that "we needed" to know. The US military holds a service member's credit in high importance, and in many cases it can be used at the reason why a person might be denied a promotion or a security clearance.
The idea is that Benedict Arnold's betrayal was due to his poor financial situation, all because he had a wife that needed to live a lavish lifestyle.
Benedict Arnold had too many debts and didn't manage them well. So he changes sides so he can be better paid.
After hearing all of this, it's no wonder he was willing to change sides. The man goes broke trying to pay for his command, and he's basically told he's good for nothing.
He hands the US victory after victory, and others take the credit for it.
It seems to me that Arnold's true failure was in the arena of politics. I get the impression that he lacked either the mind or the stomach to fight in that arena well.
It is unfortunate, because he might have been thought a hero had he simply been promoted accordingly, and if Congress had simply paid him more to help the cost of his command.
Unfortunately our history isn’t being forgotten, it’s being rewritten to better fit the narratives of today. Thanks for teaching the truth about our history weather good or bad.
I learn more from your well researched and narrated videos than all my years of schooling. I look forward to every new video you put out, thank You!
Hmmm.
After hearing that one, a radio voice from the past came into my head.
_”And now you know the rest of the story”_
_…Good day!_
Loved Paul Harvey
Now page 2
The current level of treason and racketeering and murder within all branches of the government makes what Benedict Arnold did seem like a minor incident. I don’t think in history I have ever known of a government that hated its own citizens like these people do. There is a verse in the Bible that says when a man’s ways, please, the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. I think the reciprocal is true. If you see your enemies multiplying, then the most likely reason is that our ways do not please God.
Top comment
Which god? There are so many I get confused.
Great production, well spoken, very informative! Thank you for your service
Thank you for checking out the video!
Colin - nicely done again! Thanks for helping us understand the story from Arnold’s perspective & background. There are few military leaders today who would sacrifice their own interests / resources for their men.
That was one of my favorites. I am a history teacher and know many of your subjects but this one gave me the rest of the story 😁
Glad you enjoyed it!
Is it possible to do a video on the Danbury CT raid by the British and it's ensuing battles during their retreat? The Battle of Ridgefield CT? Well, the series of running battles as the British retreated to New York. Thanks for consideration, LOVE this channel and the videos!!
Riechlou River the cardinal no doubt. He would be an interesting subject. His intelligence network. ( prime minister of French) three musketeers era .
Great suggestion. We will consider.
Hello! That is such a tragic story. He betrayed America, but I believe America betrayed him by not paying his soldiers.
War is hell.
Maybe they could have solved their differences better. It seems the Brits were not willing to let go when their baby country was able to step out on its own. They needed diplomats on both sides to negotiate.
But of course, I wasn't there.
I remember reading in "Who's Who in Military History" by John Keegan and Andrew Wheatcroft they stated that Arnold's treason didn't help the British cause. One Whig MP remarked in an anti-war statement that "Arnold wasn't sure he betrayed his friends or not." Yet, in many ways Arnold's military record is far better than Gate's record, who was recorded as outpacing his men in the retreat from Camden.
In Canada, he lived in Saint John as well as Fredericton, New Brunswick.
The novel by Kenneth Robert's
"Aroundel" is were this story came to life for me. The epic journey up the Kennebec River, boats destroyed, all rations ruined, crap weather and only there own resolve and faith in Arnold carried them through to Quebec.
Building a fleet on lake Champlain forced the British to stop and assemble their own fleet, the opposing fleet action by Velocor Island. Arnolds actions that summer and fall delayed any invasion until the next spring.
General "Granny" Gates, the "victor" at Saratoga, never mentioned Arnold's name in that affair in his letters to congress
Just tragic what compelled this man to turn traitor.
Very interesting report. There is always more to a story than we are taught in school. Congress was remiss (as always). Signed daughter of the revolution, decendant of Ethan Allen.
I enjoy watching your videos. Truth be told, I learned more about history from channels like this and documentaries than from any history class. I hope you don't mind if I make a video suggestion. I would like to see you make a video talking about the truth about the Mexican Revolution as most of the sources talking about that event are atrociously biased.
Well, he got caught up in the politics of Congress at the time. He assured that the United States would become the United States at Saratoga. Debt is never good. Taking on debt to pay the soldiers under his command because of Congress's refusal is something else. The whole thing with Arnold is a good lesson in how the military and its funding should not be political. Of course, it is, but Generals today don't take money out of pocket to pay the troops Unless you are George Smith Patton Jr. and needed to refit the 2nd Division when he was a Major General during the Louisana Maneuvers. Congress, or I should say some members of Congress, have done and will continue to do some really seedy things.
You should do a story on the Revolutionary War Hero turned outlaw Samuel Mason sometime. It might make an interesting video.
I'd love an episode on the Whiskey Rebellion. What started the distrust of the coastal elite.
Facts class is in session all ye smart men.
The monument shown at the end is in the Saratoga national Battlefield in New York. It is a boot. It represents the wound that Benedict Arnold received there. The monument does not mention his name.
please do a video on project 100,000 vietnam era
idk why but its a fascinating part of american history to me that few know about
Have you considered doing a video on the notorious Harpe brothers? Would love to see that!
Colin I am a big history buff. These additional comments about Arnold I had never heard of before. I do understand Aron’s frustration with his civilian leadership at the time and the political climate. However that still continues to this day. I served in the US Air Force and endure some very similar problems. Also nothing to even remotely consider changing sides. Thank you sir for the info.
You may have been passed over for promotions and superiors given credit for your work, but you didn't have to pay your subordinates or yourself. I don't know what I would have done in his boots, but being court-martialed for profiteering because I was trying to pay the men fighting and dying with me probably would have pushed me over the edge.too.
The battle of Ridgefield CT, not ridgeland!
Interesting a British cannon ball is stuck in the door frame of the Keeler tavern, south of the town. This tavern was a gathering place for the militia. The British embarked 2000 troups in Westport, who marched to Danbury, burned it, 500 troops march to Ridgefield, general Wooster was shot in the hip, during a rearguard action, he was taken back to Danbury where he had passed.
The rest of the 1500 went to Norwalk, burning it also.
Gaylord was the governor of that area, he had sent word to the king that the locals were gathering supplies.
The book The Battle of Ridgefield explains this whole battle.
Also the British have a painting of Arnold, from this battle.
Interesting. Thank you
Thanks for watching!
We're both from the same state Rhode Island. There's a family graveyard for the Arnolds in Newport,RI.
thank you very much for posting.
I don't think the average American really cares to know his whole story
Agreed
Were it not for his ultimate betrayal at West Point(always a woman involved in these sorts of things somewhere in the tale it seems), Benedict Arnold would've been considered as one of the greatest fighting leaders of the Revolution.
My great ,( how many greats back?) was in the middle of all this.
As a Colonial soldger with Montgomery at Qubeck his feet became frost bit.
He returned home to Cold Spring and Tarrytown NY to recover.
At that time, out with his friends, they captured Andrea with papers in Arnold's hand describing how
West Point's defences were undermined.
This included lowering the chain arcoss the Hudson. Yes, they could read. He was David Williams.
He chopped down a cherry tree! then join the militia. Real bullets came into play, just before the Civil War, started. Well done documentary.
Very good. I was hoping to hear about the monument to Arnold's left foot. (Arnold was a traitor but his foot was not).
I think it is in Saratoga, but I could be wrong about the location. It has been many long years since I learned about the monument. You did show a photograph of it though.
Historians should have saved some of their anger at Arnold for fools like Gates.
Politicians have been screwing things up for a long time.
Arnold was accepted by most British officers after his defection at first because they thought he had gone back to his “proper sympathies.” They changed their mind when they learned his real motives were money, rank, and petty revenge. Then they couldn’t stand him. At least one British general told him he respected him more when he was an enemy.
Excellent deep dive into Benedict Arnold by FH.
As a Dutchman i never heard of this man, very interesting video Colin. Thank you.
I never knew how badly he was treated by our government.
Thanks Colin
I Live 5 minutes from his birthplace.. tons of American history in Norwich.
Never knew this part of history, all I knew is not to be a Benedict Arnold, Thank you sir!
No mention of the eggs 🥚?
LOL
Everyone over age 30 who was born in the country know his name... but most younger people do not have a clue about him.
My favorite history channel
So often history is miss spoke, or only the final deed is told, not the whole story. It is unfortunate how he was treated in the continental Congress, however, his final action is one that is hard to forgive.
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!"
Walter Scott, 1808
None of that changes his legacy. Not a word I heard explains why his requests for funds were denied, except that one citation showing contempt for his alleged 'greed'. What is the best objective historical source on his relationship with Congress?
In the end Benedict Arnold's name became synonymous with traitor and not hero
Thank You sir for such a detailed account of Ben Arnold, one can understand why this guy turned after so much b's he endured. As a former Brit 🇬🇧 I will not bandy & malign him so much now. 74+🍁 hunter Yorkshire expat
From what I read, Arnold's treatment in England was cold. Being a turncoat is a universal taboo.
IF - He Had Been Given The Proper Recognition He Was Due, °Benedict•ArnoLd May Very WeLL Have FoLLowed Soonafter °George•Washington AS - One Of The First U.S.•Presidents & Be Considered One Of The Greatest Founding•Fathers Of This Nation !
This guy has been back stabbed so many times. A lot of people may have done the same thing
WOW ,,, that’s wild ,,,, thanks Colin . 🙂
Interesting stuff as always.
Nice job! I learned a bit!
Awesome! Thank you!
Now the saying shouldn't be what a Benedict Arnold but what an American Congress.
Great telling of the story. The television series "Turn" did a pretty good job telling Bendicts story I thought as well. I knew most of the history of Benedict Arnold, and always thought he got the shitty end of the stick...
A turncoat is respected by neither side. Arnold may have turned over to the British but was not respected by them and regreted his decision for the rest of his life.
Benedict Arnold IV was my 1st cousin 4 times removed. His mother was Hannah Lathrop Waterman. Hannah's brother Eleazer Waterman was my gggggrandfather who wed Martha Adgate.
As an Australian, I’ve heard nothing of this man, although I have heard of the Battle of Quebec but knew nothing about it. I’ve also hadn’t heard of the Second Battle of Saratoga. Shame to hear that his own side forced him to become a traitor. Please keep providing more content like this 🙏
Will do, thanks for watching.
Maybe the Battle of Quebec you know about is when the British beat the French in 1763?
@@robertewalt7789 I knew the Americans attacked Quebec during the War of Independence but I didn’t know anything else.
Benedict had delivered several victories for the Americans..and also snatched victory from the jaws of defeat..defeats that were almost certain due to incompetence of American officers in the ranks who had no business leading troops nor creating battle plans..Officers who had attained their commisions not by expirience,skill or leadership..but were given commisions based upon their civilian life status,family connecctions and political figures.
Yet he was passed over not only for higher rank..which bothered him very little..but he was also pushed aside for planning battles and leading troops..AGAIN to allow inept officers to plan failed battles before they even began
Some would say that Benedict Arnold was the first Tekashi 69.
Outstanding Content!!! Thank you Mr. Heaton!!!
Thanks for watching
Maybe Peter Brady didn't need to be ashamed of portraying him after all!
Thanks for watching
Wait. The battle of Ridgefield was before Saratoga. Saratoga was his last battle as an American.