One thing that I've heard said: 'If Benedict Arnold had died of the injuries he sustained in the Battle of Saratoga, he would one the most celebrated, and fondly remembered military leaders in American History.'
@Commie Gobbledygook Or you live like George Washington (same time around Arnold) and you live a hero until old age and die a hero too. Thank you Washington for refusing the position of being King of America, something surely Benedict Arnold would not have(and lets be real, not many people would refuse to be a King)
When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat, a store in Cleveland placed his Cleveland jerseys on sale for $17.41. Why? 1741 is the year Benedict Arnold was born.
The video understates how severe the leg wound was or how heroically he was acting when he received it. It was a near miracle it wasn't amputated. There is a legend that after his betrayal Benedict Arnold asked one of his British peers what he thought the Americans would do if they ever got their hands on him. The British officer responded something along the lines of, "They will chop off your leg and bury it with full military honors and pageantry. Then they will draw and quarter the rest of you and feed it to the dogs." Judging by the leg monument he wasn't far off.
True, but not really knowing how what would become the united states would operate in the future depending on who won, the officers of both British and continental armies were always vying for more sway and power….. Arnold’s was not the best relationships with his fellow officers but by far not the worst.
After the war, before he permanently moved to England, he tried to start a new life in Saint John, New Brunswick. He couldn't get along with anybody. He had lawsuits and they burned him in effigy before he left for England. I think he was a clinical narcissist.
For the record, Benedict Arnold reincarnated as General George Custer who reincarnated as General George Patton who reincarnated as Donald Trump. You're welcome.
As a kid, I got SO MUCH flax for sharing this guy's last name. Thanks for clearing up some more of his history for me - as you didn't really hear about the things Benedict Arnold did outside of his "co-leadership" with Ethan Allen and his betrayal in history class back in the day.
Simon, You should do me instead of the traitor Arnold! I have had a more colorful life and been in multiple revolutions in France and the USA. Arnold was jealous of the relationship I had with Washington and became like a son he never had and he was like the father I never had.
He's such a fascinating story and one of the most famous tragedy stories of the Revolutionary War. The Continentals would not have won the war without Arnold. There was no better field commander for the Continentals. Absolute facts. Also the reason his betrayal is so famous and his name a synonym for traitor. He fell from such a great height because of his own greed for recognition. Fun fact. He's also generally considered to have been the commander of the first real naval battle in US history, Valcour Island. A loss but a successful delaying action on Lake Champlain
Major John Andre actually gave himself up in a hilarious scene where, dressed in civilian cloths, he came along three American militias men that he thought were Tories loyal to the Crown as one was wearing a Hessian soldiers overcoat. Andre explained “Gentlemen I hope you belong to our side.” The miltiamen replied “what side?” André replied “Why the British side of course!” Then he told them he was a British officer on an urgent mission and could not be detained. To his surprise they detained him and told him they were Continentals. Andre then tried to switch his story and told them he was really an American officer and showed them a fake passport Arnold had given him but they didn’t buy it.
Right? They smacked him once then asked him you wanna betray me yet? He says no. They stabbed him. You gonna betray me yet? Nah. They humiliated him. How about now? Nope. *stab* that bad enough? Ok you win, I guess ill just join the british.
Rachel Titus Andre was captured not far from my town and hung a town over. I occasionally visit the spot and eat dinner in an old tavern where he was held before being hung.
I never knew that! I lived in the village of gagetown while my father was working at cfb gagetown! Interesting fact . Am nova Scotia and love the history around here am actually from cape breton and currently living there my grandmother worked at a museum for years about saint Paul island and has had talked to someone who's grandfather was living there during ww2 and had actually said that he had nazis come to his door. My grandmother said he didn't answer the door but instead grabbed his double barrel and kept it aimed at the door in case they tried to get I. Rumour was that it was a Uboat that surfaced by the island which is actually believable considering people use to believe that there were u boats stationed in Halifax harbour
2:10 - Chapter 1 - Early life & education 4:05 - Chapter 2 - Early military career 5:25 - Chapter 3 - Outbreak of the war 6:40 - Chapter 4 - On the way to fort ticonderoga 8:55 - Mid roll ads 10:40 - Chapter 5 - Taking the fort 12:55 - Chapter 6 - Disaster in canada 14:45 - Chapter 7 - Legal troubles 16:25 - Chapter 8 - Success at saratoga 18:45 - Chapter 9 - In charge of philadelphia 20:20 - Chapter 10 - Betrayal at west point 21:20 - Chapter 11 - General explains his actions
20:35 "On august the third 1780 Arnold assumed command and began weakening the post's defenses by delaying repairs, draining supplies and re assigning troops"- paid 20,000 pounds by Britain "On january the twentieth 2020 Biden assumed command and began weakening the country's defenses by delaying repairs, draining supplies and re assigning troops"- paid 31,000,000 dollars by china. HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.
not saying he lying guest book say he's leaving some pot out United States already had a civilization before Christopher Columbus arrived with his group of pirates from the British prison waiting for trial for piracy and when the Moors arrived asking for the king assistance because of the nipples getting out of hand he emptied out his prison into United States Benedict Arnold found out all the truth
Arnold's story could be a classical tragedy. High born and most definitely on the path to legendary American Hero status, instead remembered as a vile traitor whose lust for personal glory and wealth ruined him.
There was another officer in the Continental Army who greatly contributed to the victory at Saratoga, an European volunteer and military engineer who also designed and built the very fortifications of West Point. I'm talking of course about Tadeusz Kościuszko. He also did some interesting things after returning home, making him one of the greatest national heroes of Poland. Is also regarded as such by some Lithuanians and Belarusians.
I'm pretty sure Robert E. Lee is a bigger traitor than Benedict Arnold👍🏿. How many Americans died in the Civil war compared to the American revolution? Bad video title.
@@mainnevent515 I'd blame Jefferson Davis for that. IIRC: Robert E. Lee held opposing views to the Confederacy in general, but was deathly loyal to his state. Which decided it wanted join the Confederacy... and loyalty to one's state was a bigger deal at the time, I think.
I jumped directly to the comments to see who'd pointed this out. Unsure who had the gigantic brainfart of posting a supposed photo of a woman who died in 1775 but it's not every day you see technology and fashion labeled 100 years off.
lionharehart: At 3:58 in the video, what I am looking at is most definitely a photo and not a “charcoal portrait”. Perhaps the lighting in your mother’s basement is of the same caliber as the “not very good” high school I must still be in. Ad hominem attacks really are the hallmark of an inferior intellect and a flaccid imagination, aren’t they? Quod erat demonstrandum.
I understand why he was a traitor however in his defence he was treated badly by his own side. But however I understand why he was considered a traitor
@El loco holandes errante When there's people like Benedict Arnold in charge, that's true. When there's people who actually take a second stop and think before taking action eventually take charge, that's extremely rare.
@El loco holandes errante Pretty much every country has something of that in their history, whether patriots, or partisans of those nations admit it or not. In my case, an Australian government in the 1970's sold out the East Timorese to Indonesia is an example.
Arnold has, in recent years, held a fascination with me. I've read his biography by Randal and came away struggling with what kind of man he truly was. I was glad to hear from you that some historians share my anguish. Thank you
I had a friend growing up named Ben Arnold. I never knew why his parents named him that. He has done well for himself, so it must not have affected him.
Simon, I grew right outside the park (1.7 miles) so the shout out was amazing in the introduction of your video. I actully worked there ine summer growning up at the visitors center. Big fan of all of your videos and I look forward to many more!
I'd also like to add Werner Von Braun to that list, who I'd mentioned in a comment on the Walt Disney video since they collaborated on a project that helped to stimulate public interest in space travel (and pressured Congress into funding it).
But wouldn't that, as Baz points out there, tell you that the North American theater was only a small cog in a huge, world wide conflict? People should step back and consider that though.
Yes! Awesome addition to my perspective! Certainly more than we were taught in US schools. Thanks again. Keep the good stuff coming. My wife and I are huge fans of your channels!!!
Love your channel, but if Margaret Mansfield died in 1775 how did you manage to get a photograph of her when the first photograph wasn’t taken until 1826
I'm confused that you wouldn't consider that the "photo" was a charcoal portrait, that would have been reasonably priced for citizens at the time. Is this your American education??
Dear Simon, I'm a huge fan of the channel, which is why i need to point this out. Nearly all of the musical selections for this video are American Civil War tunes. Specifically, Marching through Georgia, Dixie, and Battlehymn of the Republic. It was still a great recap of Arnold's legacy. Thank you DM
I'm pretty sure Robert E. Lee is a bigger traitor than Benedict Arnold👍🏿. How many Americans died in the Civil war compared to the American revolution? Bad video title.
@@mainnevent515 you really need to read about Lee. With Lincoln's death he actually was who prevented the US from having decades of gorilla warfare. The causes of the civil war were complicated, and probably no one alive today understands all the nuances.
I think I watched a Thai version of history channel about that guy like, decades ago. Supposedly his homeland didn't like him much due to his sexual orientation but US welcomes him and he brought their troops proper and efficient military disciplines in returns. was that the same guy?
He was an excellent drill instructor who turned plow boys into marksmen. His love life didn’t matter. In school here he was taught as a hero and his private life was never mentioned. Washington needed someone who could do the job. He trained thousands of men during the war. Steuben county NY is named after him. A huge estate in NY was given to him at the end of the war. But I’ve read towards the end he had bad business deals and drank heavy and died broke. Probably had more than his fair share of PTS. I can’t imagine the stress of training men only to watch them go off and die. That has to mess with you.
My 4th Great Grandfather fought under Arnold. He enlisted under Arnold because the local Col was married to another Shipen gal. He ended up on a British prison ship and was let go because he was illiterate. He had to promise to go home and not fight against the British any longer. He broke that promise. When he did eventually return home, he was considered a hero. I wish I could find out more about his life.
(EDITED COMMENT): Simon, I may have mentioned this before in another video comment. However, I have been wondering and it would be interesting (in the vane of 'balanced reporting') if people could see a video from a British perspective of 1) What were most British children such as yourself taught about Britain's role in the American Revolution? 2) What was the British subject reaction to news of the loss of one of its colonies? 3) How did the Crown and government treat the defeated Red Coat army upon their return home? Were there any sanctions waiting for them? 4) What was life like for the general's who lost the war? (....or was KG III to far along in his descent into 'madness' to fully understand what he had lost)? 5) One final question that is more trivia than anything: When it was reported (by whomever) that General Cornwallis appointed, General Charles O’Hara, in his 'stead to hand over his surrender sword to General "Buckskin" George Washington how did the Crown respond to the actual surrender itself? How much of the information was either shared or spared with the British public regarding the defeat in the War of Independence campaign? Hoping you either share your thoughts or make a general video to answer some of these questions for all. Thanks for your consideration.
@@alicemurphy8111 Im not being big headed here, but we Brits couldn't give a flying f*ck about the whole American revolution, it's not being bitter or anything it's just a footnote in our over 1000 years of history.
Well now THAT was an enlightening mini-epic expansion on the knowledge of Arnold most of us had gotten in elementary school, that being the passing reference "Benedict Arnold was a "soldier" on our side who turned traitor". At least that is all I got. Had no clue he was a general even. I really dug the story. Thanks!
A significant fact-check maybe others have mentioned. Arnold was a British citizen. Same with our Founding Fathers. He didn't betray his country, since he was a spy for England. It was our Founding Fathers that betrayed their country and formed a new one.
I was surprised that you never got around to the story behind the monument. The story goes that during a raid he led after turning his coat, Arnold's forces captured some American soldiers. Arnold asked one what he'd do if they ever captured Gen. Arnold. The soldier basically replied that they'd cut off the leg wounded in Saratoga and bury it with full military honors and great fanfare. The rest they'd hang as a traitor. So, the monument that honors Arnold's deeds during the Battle of Saratoga features just that same wounded leg, but with no mention of his name or any other likeness.
I'm insulted that people vilify Benedict Arnold more than Jefferson Davis. Arnold was a traitor, but he didn't lead the splitting of a nation to guard human bondage
Along with the lesser known facts in this video, the TV show Turn:Washington's Spies did a good job of portraying Arnold's life and conflicts. Would totally recommend
Love that show but it really made me hate Arnold. Dude was more concerned with stealing cotton and tobacco than fighting which is pretty funny since he bragged to the British about how fast he could defeat the Continental Army.
Nah they were a silly English affair between William the Bastards (Duke of Normandy) sons and daughter. Not to say that Scotland didn't also have plenty of Nobles fighting for The Throne.
Benedict Arnold's military story reminds me of Proverbs 16:18, which says "Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall." Sounds like his altercations w/fellow American officers was rooted in pride, insecurity, a desire to be recognized.
This 'tribute' to General Arnold may be true today, but I think we are witnessing the time in our history when he is moved into second place in the hall of shame of traitors.
I really enjoyed this one alot. U have to think if every other military person he worked with ended up hating him, there has to be a reason. Maybe is was always a d!ck. Not surprising he turned trailor.
Samantha, it was his superiors who hated him. The troops and most of his subordinates would follow him anywhere. I think he must have had an 18th century version of ADD. His peers and his superiors couldn't manage his energy level.
HR was apparently Washington and obviously this is another instance where HR fails another compliant and much needed employee...The company(United States) still has yet to care about the issues
Benedict Arnold was an early warning of the problems of the American Revolution for these reasons. And a warning that if people don’t get compensated, they may rebel. 1. The high command of the continental army was deeply disorganized. Wayne, mifflin, Gates, Charles Lee were all generals who challenged Washington. They alzo frequently attacked Arnold as evidenced by the Middlebrook trials when he was ultimately acquitted. 2. Many say that Arnold was greedy but I don’t think he was. Washington was unique since he served America without the promise of pay. The other soldiers in the army did and pay was often one of their greatest concerns. At the end of the revolution, many soldiers had not been paid for many years, instead receiving IOUs from congress, a congress that was very weak and often did not help the army. This was a regular problem throughout the war and into the postwar era and was one of many grievances they shared. Arnold could not survive without his pay especially since he would later get married to Peggy shippen, one of the most upper class ladies of the colonies, This was exacerbated by the fact that he deserved recognition and pay for his services and rightfully so. He had fought so hard for the revolution and his leg got shot twice in battle. He felt slighted and made sacrifices that he felt he never got accounted for.
exexpat11 because he upset the order of never having a black man in a prominent position or because he didn’t do Putin’s bidding and start destroying the U.S. from the inside?
Andre was convicted and hung as a spy, which is espionage during war. Arnold was a turncoat and fought just as bravely for the British as he did for the Americans. As far as I know, Arnold was never tried and convicted of treason, even in absentia, so technically he isn't a traitor but was only judged in the court of public opinion. While he would have been tried and executed if caught, there would have been cities and states named after him if he did not change sides. But even the worst of criminals thought that they were doing the right thing at the time and could justify their actions for doing so.
Before he betrayed his country, his country betrayed him. He was just like Patton. Imagine if Patton had been stripped of his command and grounded for the remainder of the war for being good at his job. That is exactly what was done to Arnold. So he went to who would let him fight.
That's a cracking photograph of Arnold's wife, who you say died in 1775. Photography wasn't invented for another 40+ years: I think you might have the wrong Margaret Mansfield.
“Betrayed his country” you mean came to his senses, realised his treachery and reaffirmed his loyalty to the crown, right? :) But to be serious, it’s odd that the rebels are respected as loyal patriots (even here in the UK, despite many of them being literally first generation migrants from the UK) while Arnold’s name is reviled. I guess switching sides mid war explains that, but the Italians seem to get away with it. But what do I know, I live in Washington (the original in the UK where George Washingtons family is from) and we still have a party on the 4th of July. A lot of streets are named after US states or cities and we even have a JFK primary school. We still make sure to put “The Original Washington” on our “Welcome to….” Signs. George Washington and the Lambton wyrm are about all we have after the pits closed.
One of the oddest things I saw when I first came to London was the statue of George Washington. A British friend sends me a "Terrorist Appreciation Day" card for every July 4th.
@@DoctorX101 How are “American” soldiers who stayed loyal to the crown viewed in the US? Are they respected for their loyalty to their oath of service or reviled as “Traitors”. It was a weird time, I’m glad our countries moved past it fairly quickly. Burning the White House was just petty, we should have acted better than that, in 1812 we were still basically the same people
I presume that nearly half the people who have watched this video watched the Oversimplified video on the American Revolution. By the way, I watched that as well.
Is there a way for us to get the sources you use for your videos? The Biographics website hasn't been updated in a while so many of your more recent videos aren't posted there.
Enterprise is one of the most prestigious names in US Navy history. USS Enterprise (CV-6) was one of the most decorated ships of WWII. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the world's first nuclear powered carrier. USS Enterprise (CVN-80) is a Ford class carrier currently under construction, which will ensure that Enterprise will be a name borne by American capital ships for the forseeable future. I had no idea that such a storied name had such an ignominious origin.
The naval tradition, used by many countries, of re-using names from previous vessels is a fascinationg one. While Enterprise popularly claimed as an American name for a vessel, it was being used by the French and British before the Americans, and has been used by the Royal Navy, and still is.
@@michaelhurley3171 Since in the real world, the first space shuttle was named Enterprise at the behest of Trekkies; what is their justification for it in the Star Trek universe?
@@666hyperionhellas6 Like you lot getting rid of your king for some German? See how being a weak troll diminishes you? And the better textual witnesses attest to "616."
One thing that I've heard said: 'If Benedict Arnold had died of the injuries he sustained in the Battle of Saratoga, he would one the most celebrated, and fondly remembered military leaders in American History.'
if. lol
@Commie Gobbledygook Napoleon is an excellent example of that.
@Commie Gobbledygook Or you live like George Washington (same time around Arnold) and you live a hero until old age and die a hero too. Thank you Washington for refusing the position of being King of America, something surely Benedict Arnold would not have(and lets be real, not many people would refuse to be a King)
@@bj-vd7ve It's knowing to quit when you're at the top of your game, before you have a chance to come down.
@@bj-vd7ve and now our country hates Washington and everyone else alive at the time of slavery it seems.
When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat, a store in Cleveland placed his Cleveland jerseys on sale for $17.41. Why? 1741 is the year Benedict Arnold was born.
That's a pretty sly dig at him as a traitor! I ♡LOVE♡ it!
Given James' kowtowing to the Chinese they should do that again.
Let’s be honest, Cleveland lost Lebron because of Cleveland 😂
2016 Cavs win the finals. LeBron is MVP. That's why.
@@thedungeondelver Double dunk!
The video understates how severe the leg wound was or how heroically he was acting when he received it. It was a near miracle it wasn't amputated.
There is a legend that after his betrayal Benedict Arnold asked one of his British peers what he thought the Americans would do if they ever got their hands on him. The British officer responded something along the lines of, "They will chop off your leg and bury it with full military honors and pageantry. Then they will draw and quarter the rest of you and feed it to the dogs."
Judging by the leg monument he wasn't far off.
BINGO!
When you have a problem with virtually every officer you deal with, it’s not a stretch to say YOU are the source of the conflict.
You have a point.
True, but not really knowing how what would become the united states would operate in the future depending on who won, the officers of both British and continental armies were always vying for more sway and power….. Arnold’s was not the best relationships with his fellow officers but by far not the worst.
After the war, before he permanently moved to England, he tried to start a new life in Saint John, New Brunswick. He couldn't get along with anybody. He had lawsuits and they burned him in effigy before he left for England. I think he was a clinical narcissist.
For the record, Benedict Arnold reincarnated as General George Custer who reincarnated as General George Patton who reincarnated as Donald Trump. You're welcome.
As a kid, I got SO MUCH flax for sharing this guy's last name. Thanks for clearing up some more of his history for me - as you didn't really hear about the things Benedict Arnold did outside of his "co-leadership" with Ethan Allen and his betrayal in history class back in the day.
Our good friend Arnold is our good friend no more
- oversimplified
Too many ouchies
umm ok, good night.
To the guillotine
Dude uncool
Omg i love this
Simon,
You should do me instead of the traitor Arnold! I have had a more colorful life and been in multiple revolutions in France and the USA.
Arnold was jealous of the relationship I had with Washington and became like a son he never had and he was like the father I never had.
ach so...
Tea
Bravo, good sir, bravo. Perhaps they could do Tadeusz Kościuszko after you.
And who the hell are you?
Marquis de Lafayette Mike Duncan of the History of Rome and Revolutions podcasts is writing a book about Lafayette.
This enraged his father, who punished him severely
My man.
cresta2000ESP oversimplified😤
Fathers need to be enraged to dish out brutal violence? 🤔😱
OVERSIMPLIFIED
Ah, I'm glad to see some Oversimplified fans here.
He's such a fascinating story and one of the most famous tragedy stories of the Revolutionary War. The Continentals would not have won the war without Arnold. There was no better field commander for the Continentals. Absolute facts. Also the reason his betrayal is so famous and his name a synonym for traitor. He fell from such a great height because of his own greed for recognition.
Fun fact. He's also generally considered to have been the commander of the first real naval battle in US history, Valcour Island. A loss but a successful delaying action on Lake Champlain
There are five towns that claim to be the birthplace of the American Navy.
It's funny because technically all the founding fathers were traitors
Major John Andre actually gave himself up in a hilarious scene where, dressed in civilian cloths, he came along three American militias men that he thought were Tories loyal to the Crown as one was wearing a Hessian soldiers overcoat.
Andre explained “Gentlemen I hope you belong to our side.” The miltiamen replied “what side?” André replied “Why the British side of course!” Then he told them he was a British officer on an urgent mission and could not be detained. To his surprise they detained him and told him they were Continentals. Andre then tried to switch his story and told them he was really an American officer and showed them a fake passport Arnold had given him but they didn’t buy it.
“Let me die in this old uniform in which I fought my battles. May God forgive me for ever having put on another” Benedict Arnold
Another being the one he originally wore....as noted in the biography.
h0ckeyd This is what he said on his deathbed plus he also request to wear his old Continental uniform
@@h0ckeyd I think you have it backwards
A work uniform in this day this day and age is synonymous...
A great saying. Highly unlikely he said that
That was too many ouchies for our old friend Benedict Arnold
Right? They smacked him once then asked him you wanna betray me yet? He says no. They stabbed him. You gonna betray me yet? Nah. They humiliated him. How about now? Nope. *stab* that bad enough? Ok you win, I guess ill just join the british.
@@minguyen-rl7sn It was a reference to Oversimplified but that's true.
And our good old friend Benedict Arnold was our good old friend no more
Fun fact: he lived for a while in my hometown of Saint John NB (Canada) where he made a bunch of sketchy business deals and then fled 👍
Rachel Titus Andre was captured not far from my town and hung a town over. I occasionally visit the spot and eat dinner in an old tavern where he was held before being hung.
Ron S Cool!!! The place he used to live here has a big plaque on it, and it’s now a clothing store I sometimes shop at haha
I never knew that! I lived in the village of gagetown while my father was working at cfb gagetown! Interesting fact . Am nova Scotia and love the history around here am actually from cape breton and currently living there my grandmother worked at a museum for years about saint Paul island and has had talked to someone who's grandfather was living there during ww2 and had actually said that he had nazis come to his door. My grandmother said he didn't answer the door but instead grabbed his double barrel and kept it aimed at the door in case they tried to get I. Rumour was that it was a Uboat that surfaced by the island which is actually believable considering people use to believe that there were u boats stationed in Halifax harbour
Adam O you should start writing friendly, get the juices flowing...
People cried at the execution of Major Andre.
2:10 - Chapter 1 - Early life & education
4:05 - Chapter 2 - Early military career
5:25 - Chapter 3 - Outbreak of the war
6:40 - Chapter 4 - On the way to fort ticonderoga
8:55 - Mid roll ads
10:40 - Chapter 5 - Taking the fort
12:55 - Chapter 6 - Disaster in canada
14:45 - Chapter 7 - Legal troubles
16:25 - Chapter 8 - Success at saratoga
18:45 - Chapter 9 - In charge of philadelphia
20:20 - Chapter 10 - Betrayal at west point
21:20 - Chapter 11 - General explains his actions
thanks g
20:35 "On august the third 1780 Arnold assumed command and began weakening the post's defenses by delaying repairs, draining supplies and re assigning troops"- paid 20,000 pounds by Britain
"On january the twentieth 2020 Biden assumed command and began weakening the country's defenses by delaying repairs, draining supplies and re assigning troops"- paid 31,000,000 dollars by china.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.
I'm actually related to dear ole Benedict on his mother's side, he's a cousin, one of my other relatives hunted him down during the war.
thats awesome! (sorta) lol
Shaunalea 82 Congratulations and my condolences.
Wow
Yeah, he’s a distant cousin of mine too.
Cousin of mine too! 3rd cousin 8xs removed
Hell yeah! I requested Arnold a few months back. Not taking credit, but glad to see that you've covered him. Thanks Biographics!
Good job and thank you for the request wingy
VOTE ME 2020
This guy makes history so interesting, keep up the good work 👍
More like history is interesting and school teachers make it boring.
not saying he lying guest book say he's leaving some pot out United States already had a civilization before Christopher Columbus arrived with his group of pirates from the British prison waiting for trial for piracy and when the Moors arrived asking for the king assistance because of the nipples getting out of hand he emptied out his prison into United States Benedict Arnold found out all the truth
Arnold's story could be a classical tragedy. High born and most definitely on the path to legendary American Hero status, instead remembered as a vile traitor whose lust for personal glory and wealth ruined him.
If it weren't for his betrayal he could have been right up there with Washington and Jefferson
There is nothing more shallow and over simplified than your comment.
@Levi Kazama I am very sorry but with that nickname and avatar, I cannot take you seriously.
@Levi Kazama are you gay? (Out of curiosity)
@Levi Kazama There's sort of a pattern here. Anyway, I'd like to talk to you via a better channel rather than this. Are you in?
Ah, he fled on a ship called "vulture" how fitting lol
VOTE ME 2020
@@sherpderpa9402 no
There was another officer in the Continental Army who greatly contributed to the victory at Saratoga, an European volunteer and military engineer who also designed and built the very fortifications of West Point. I'm talking of course about Tadeusz Kościuszko. He also did some interesting things after returning home, making him one of the greatest national heroes of Poland. Is also regarded as such by some Lithuanians and Belarusians.
There's a town in Mississippi that's named after him. Proud of my Polish heritage in Tennessee USA
That's why we named a bridge after him. (I-87 over the Mohawk River)
I'm in charge.
*NO, I'M IN CHARGE*
Oversimplified ftw
I remember that from oversimplified!
This went on for some time.
The best personality on UA-cam thank you for everything you do
The baldest
By the way, where's that other guy we sent?
What other guy
Benedict Arnold
Never heard of him
OUCH
Oh snap, Oversimplified.
Barack Obama Oversimplified da best
I'm pretty sure Robert E. Lee is a bigger traitor than Benedict Arnold👍🏿. How many Americans died in the Civil war compared to the American revolution? Bad video title.
@@mainnevent515 I'd blame Jefferson Davis for that. IIRC: Robert E. Lee held opposing views to the Confederacy in general, but was deathly loyal to his state. Which decided it wanted join the Confederacy... and loyalty to one's state was a bigger deal at the time, I think.
OVERSIMPLIFIED GANG
I appreciate your keeping the length of the in-video ads consistent. I enjoy knowing just how long I need to skip forward. Another great video Simon!
That’s crazy! I never knew Arnold was the one to first Christened a naval ship by the name Enterprise. Fascinating.
Do an episode on the fellow who took the photo you showed twice of Arnold’s first wife. He was way ahead of his time.
I jumped directly to the comments to see who'd pointed this out.
Unsure who had the gigantic brainfart of posting a supposed photo of a woman who died in 1775 but it's not every day you see technology and fashion labeled 100 years off.
😂😂😂
I really don't believe I've seen this comment more than once. The "photo" is a charcoal portrait. You must still be in highschool. And not a good one.
lionharehart: At 3:58 in the video, what I am looking at is most definitely a photo and not a “charcoal portrait”. Perhaps the lighting in your mother’s basement is of the same caliber as the “not very good” high school I must still be in. Ad hominem attacks really are the hallmark of an inferior intellect and a flaccid imagination, aren’t they? Quod erat demonstrandum.
THANK - YOU
Benedict Arnold is still an American insult.
Being called his name is used to imply you're a traitor.
I understand why he was a traitor however in his defence he was treated badly by his own side. But however I understand why he was considered a traitor
@El loco holandes errante When there's people like Benedict Arnold in charge, that's true.
When there's people who actually take a second stop and think before taking action eventually take charge, that's extremely rare.
@El loco holandes errante Pretty much every country has something of that in their history, whether patriots, or partisans of those nations admit it or not. In my case, an Australian government in the 1970's sold out the East Timorese to Indonesia is an example.
@inside outside upside downside It has been said that the greatest threat to a man's freedom is his government.
@@shebbs1 To be fair you're not wrong
Awesome stuff Simon! I really enjoy every episode. You turn boring, lengthy chunks of history into fun & easy to digest nuggets
! Great job Simon 😊👍👍👍
Arnold has, in recent years, held a fascination with me. I've read his biography by Randal and came away struggling with what kind of man he truly was. I was glad to hear from you that some historians share my anguish. Thank you
I had a friend growing up named Ben Arnold. I never knew why his parents named him that. He has done well for himself, so it must not have affected him.
Simon, I grew right outside the park (1.7 miles) so the shout out was amazing in the introduction of your video. I actully worked there ine summer growning up at the visitors center.
Big fan of all of your videos and I look forward to many more!
Biographics please do videos on these people:
Rudolf Hess
Patrice Lumumba
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle
Warren G Harding
I'd also like to add Werner Von Braun to that list, who I'd mentioned in a comment on the Walt Disney video since they collaborated on a project that helped to stimulate public interest in space travel (and pressured Congress into funding it).
Omg Fatty Arbuckle's story NEEDS to be better known in today's "guilty until proven innocent" culture.
@@TJDious You mean "guilty till proven innocent in a court of law, but still guilty in a court of public opinion".
@@z3r0_35 Yep, that.
Hakim Fullerton Harding was a low life dog, and truth be known his wife poisoned him
The Seven Years War was known as the French and Indian War in North America. It was also thought to be first real World War.
Why? I'd say the Napoleonic wars would seem more like it.
@@outdoors_review well it was fought in europe,north america,asia and on the high seas that's what I heard.
But wouldn't that, as Baz points out there, tell you that the North American theater was only a small cog in a huge, world wide conflict? People should step back and consider that though.
It’s considered part of the Napoleonic Wars.
the Napoleonic Wars (before WW1) was called the "Great War".
This is a man who had better talent than his peers but not enough talents to be bigger than his ego.
Yes! Awesome addition to my perspective! Certainly more than we were taught in US schools. Thanks again. Keep the good stuff coming. My wife and I are huge fans of your channels!!!
Love your channel, but if Margaret Mansfield died in 1775 how did you manage to get a photograph of her when the first photograph wasn’t taken until 1826
Are you trolling us by putting an actual picture of a lady as his wife at 3:58 who died in 1700’s when photos weren’t created until 1800’s?
I thought I was crazy
I came to make the same comment but checked first to see if anyone else had said anything. Glad you noticed as well.
Whoa
I'm confused that you wouldn't consider that the "photo" was a charcoal portrait, that would have been reasonably priced for citizens at the time. Is this your American education??
GTF out of here with charcoal drawling. That was 100% a ferrotype
Good video, Simon! I would love it if you did a video about General Thaddeus Kosciuszko, who also played a key role in the American revolutionary war
Only Schwarzenegger made the name "Arnold" cool again
Gary Coleman helped 😆
True
Not to forget Arnold's, the diner in Happy Days. 👍" ayyyyyy. " 👍
Your videos continue to impress; detailed and well explained. Great job!!!!
Can you do Ulysses S Grant? Great general, honest (and clumsy) President, but misunderstood person.
Absolutely
Dude yes! My favorite historical figure
How about Jefferson Davis?
You deserve more recognition
My favorite breakfast! So excited to see others join me!
Nice work Simon!
Dear Simon,
I'm a huge fan of the channel, which is why i need to point this out. Nearly all of the musical selections for this video are American Civil War tunes. Specifically, Marching through Georgia, Dixie, and Battlehymn of the Republic. It was still a great recap of Arnold's legacy.
Thank you
DM
"Back then, because Gunpowder was so volatile and dangerous a town's entire supply was generally kept in one place" Sound great ^^
Remagy click boom.
I'm pretty sure Robert E. Lee is a bigger traitor than Benedict Arnold👍🏿. How many Americans died in the Civil war compared to the American revolution? Bad video title.
@@mainnevent515 you really need to read about Lee. With Lincoln's death he actually was who prevented the US from having decades of gorilla warfare.
The causes of the civil war were complicated, and probably no one alive today understands all the nuances.
Robert E Lee is an American hero. He loved his country and fought to protect it from an encroaching goverment
@@lsxbird7874 no he isnt actually he helped to try and destroy america so hes the exact opposite
Arnold: “The British will surely love me for this!”
The British: “lol no”
Your transitions are getting pretty TIGHT!
I love that transition. Squarespace! nicely done my friend. Great videos. Always so much fun watching and learning. xx
Well written and without bias....Top shelf job Bios
Baron Von Steuben would be a great choice he was an alleged homosexual who trained the colonial army during the revolutionary war
I think I watched a Thai version of history channel about that guy like, decades ago. Supposedly his homeland didn't like him much due to his sexual orientation but US welcomes him and he brought their troops proper and efficient military disciplines in returns. was that the same guy?
Washington hired him for his brains not sexual orientation.
@@rachelbrenner4092 yeah back then you would of been put to death for being a homosexual so it was a big for him cause he was brazen
He was an excellent drill instructor who turned plow boys into marksmen. His love life didn’t matter. In school here he was taught as a hero and his private life was never mentioned. Washington needed someone who could do the job. He trained thousands of men during the war. Steuben county NY is named after him. A huge estate in NY was given to him at the end of the war. But I’ve read towards the end he had bad business deals and drank heavy and died broke. Probably had more than his fair share of PTS. I can’t imagine the stress of training men only to watch them go off and die. That has to mess with you.
My 4th Great Grandfather fought under Arnold. He enlisted under Arnold because the local Col was married to another Shipen gal. He ended up on a British prison ship and was let go because he was illiterate. He had to promise to go home and not fight against the British any longer. He broke that promise. When he did eventually return home, he was considered a hero. I wish I could find out more about his life.
(EDITED COMMENT): Simon, I may have mentioned this before in another video comment. However, I have been wondering and it would be interesting (in the vane of 'balanced reporting') if people could see a video from a British perspective of 1) What were most British children such as yourself taught about Britain's role in the American Revolution? 2) What was the British subject reaction to news of the loss of one of its colonies? 3) How did the Crown and government treat the defeated Red Coat army upon their return home? Were there any sanctions waiting for them? 4) What was life like for the general's who lost the war? (....or was KG III to far along in his descent into 'madness' to fully understand what he had lost)? 5) One final question that is more trivia than anything: When it was reported (by whomever) that General Cornwallis appointed, General Charles O’Hara, in his 'stead to hand over his surrender sword to General "Buckskin" George Washington how did the Crown respond to the actual surrender itself? How much of the information was either shared or spared with the British public regarding the defeat in the War of Independence campaign? Hoping you either share your thoughts or make a general video to answer some of these questions for all. Thanks for your consideration.
I agree. That would be fascinating from the POV of the British.
The majority of people in the UK aren’t taught about the American revolution at least in first, middle and high school.
@@alicemurphy8111 Im not being big headed here, but we Brits couldn't give a flying f*ck about the whole American revolution, it's not being bitter or anything it's just a footnote in our over 1000 years of history.
Well now THAT was an enlightening mini-epic expansion on the knowledge of Arnold most of us had gotten in elementary school, that being the passing reference "Benedict Arnold was a "soldier" on our side who turned traitor". At least that is all I got. Had no clue he was a general even. I really dug the story. Thanks!
I love biographics. Watched so many of your videos. Learned so much. Please keep up the great work.
Poor Benedict will be forgotten in a few years. We have a new greatest ever traitor in town
dirkbonesteel Yep!
@@cs7725 GUYS DONT UNDERESTIMATE NOSTALGIA LOL
Yep, China wouldn't take him so he's hiding in Russia now.
@Richard Johnson Your reply is kind of dumb. Look at the reply above you, they did it right
Richard Johnson why? Nancy is finally doing her job and standing up to Trump-Putin.
03:55 How is there a photograph of someone that died in 1776? Did I miss something?
Kodak was up and running then in Rochester !
Um. Girl Power?
There was early photography at the time. They sometimes took pictures of deceased people after dressing them up etc, that might be one of those.
This bothered me too. The oldest surviving photo is from the 1820s.
I got to see the monument during my travels across america. It was interesting.
Simon Whistler has taught me more about history than public school.
Yeah but at least you learned about many of the 105 genders right?
I agree. Plus a lot of facts that we were taught in school you find out aren’t true
A significant fact-check maybe others have mentioned. Arnold was a British citizen. Same with our Founding Fathers. He didn't betray his country, since he was a spy for England. It was our Founding Fathers that betrayed their country and formed a new one.
OK...
I was surprised that you never got around to the story behind the monument. The story goes that during a raid he led after turning his coat, Arnold's forces captured some American soldiers. Arnold asked one what he'd do if they ever captured Gen. Arnold. The soldier basically replied that they'd cut off the leg wounded in Saratoga and bury it with full military honors and great fanfare. The rest they'd hang as a traitor. So, the monument that honors Arnold's deeds during the Battle of Saratoga features just that same wounded leg, but with no mention of his name or any other likeness.
I'm insulted that people vilify Benedict Arnold more than Jefferson Davis. Arnold was a traitor, but he didn't lead the splitting of a nation to guard human bondage
Arnold wasn't a traitor. He was loyal to his king.
@@brianferris8668Except for the part where he initially was on the American side until he got his feelings hurt.
Along with the lesser known facts in this video, the TV show Turn:Washington's Spies did a good job of portraying Arnold's life and conflicts. Would totally recommend
Loved that show
Love that show but it really made me hate Arnold. Dude was more concerned with stealing cotton and tobacco than fighting which is pretty funny since he bragged to the British about how fast he could defeat the Continental Army.
Your in good voice for this one!
I had other video options for this, but I automatically search for Simon.
Ah yes, the second British civil war
@Sam Bacon it's technically correct mate lol
@Sam Bacon 🤣
You are forgetting Prince Charles Edward Stuart The Young Pretender. 1745 and all that
@@johnmccallum8512 tbf i also left out the first 3 between Steven and Matilda
Nah they were a silly English affair between William the Bastards (Duke of Normandy) sons and daughter. Not to say that Scotland didn't also have plenty of Nobles fighting for The Throne.
Can you do a biography of Simon Whistler
No. He's already said he wants nothing to do with it.
Arnold was ahead of his time in regards to his views about a corrupt Congress.
I just found this channel through this video and I’m so happy to already know the host. I can’t wait to binge this entire channel. 😍
Benedict Arnold's military story reminds me of Proverbs 16:18, which says "Pride goes before destruction and haughtiness before a fall." Sounds like his altercations w/fellow American officers was rooted in pride, insecurity, a desire to be recognized.
How about you do a video on the Irish Revolutionary Michael Collins?
I've been asking him for that for a while now.
I was today years old when I learned that Benedict Arnold commissioned the first USS Enterprise.
Steve same reaction that really really really sucks
Thanks I was going to point that out
I can hear Patrick Stweart laughing
The writer does a great job of researching!
But whoever chose the music could have found some period music instead of music from the Civil War and beyond.
Awesome Simon!!! Thank you
Another EXCELLENT video. Thank you so much for the information!
5:No taxation without representation
The soundtrack to "Betrayal at West Point" is "Dixie". I love it.
Question. How did you find a photograph of his wife when the camera wasn’t invented until 1816?
Painting or maybe other women .
Benedict Arnold: America’s greatest traitor
Donald Trump: Hold my beer
How is he a traitor? From what I've seen he loves his country more than anything. I'd swap our country's leader for Trump any day.
You’ve got a deal, Wilhelm.
God your a idiot, Trump love merika its Obama and the Clinton's who hate merika
Simon, Buddy, your audio is out of sync lol. Love your channel, keep up the good work.
This 'tribute' to General Arnold may be true today, but I think we are witnessing the time in our history when he is moved into second place in the hall of shame of traitors.
I really enjoyed this one alot.
U have to think if every other military person he worked with ended up hating him, there has to be a reason. Maybe is was always a d!ck. Not surprising he turned trailor.
Seems like he blamed everyone else for his problems 🤷🏿♂️
Samantha, it was his superiors who hated him. The troops and most of his subordinates would follow him anywhere. I think he must have had an 18th century version of ADD. His peers and his superiors couldn't manage his energy level.
@@wcate8301
Thank you.
So he basically just had issues with all the managers at his job?
He would’ve definitely went to HR
HR was apparently Washington and obviously this is another instance where HR fails another compliant and much needed employee...The company(United States) still has yet to care about the issues
Benedict Arnold was an early warning of the problems of the American Revolution for these reasons. And a warning that if people don’t get compensated, they may rebel.
1. The high command of the continental army was deeply disorganized. Wayne, mifflin, Gates, Charles Lee were all generals who challenged Washington. They alzo frequently attacked Arnold as evidenced by the Middlebrook trials when he was ultimately acquitted.
2. Many say that Arnold was greedy but I don’t think he was.
Washington was unique since he served America without the promise of pay. The other soldiers in the army did and pay was often one of their greatest concerns. At the end of the revolution, many soldiers had not been paid for many years, instead receiving IOUs from congress, a congress that was very weak and often did not help the army.
This was a regular problem throughout the war and into the postwar era and was one of many grievances they shared. Arnold could not survive without his pay especially since he would later get married to Peggy shippen, one of the most upper class ladies of the colonies, This was exacerbated by the fact that he deserved recognition and pay for his services and rightfully so. He had fought so hard for the revolution and his leg got shot twice in battle.
He felt slighted and made sacrifices that he felt he never got accounted for.
Awesome video. I'm from Vermont and took Vermont history in high school. And you got it perfect.
Biographic on Harriet Tubman and Nate Turner. Please!!!!
*Nat
"Benedict Arnold: America’s Greatest Traitor" Step aside, Benny. There's a new guy applying for that position.
YOU
Thank you Michael Moore!!👍 Iricanado trend 👎👎👎👎👎
No, Obama is out of Office but he was a Massive Conman and Traitor.
exexpat11 lol imagine subscribing to dankula who thinks anecdotes is similar to data
exexpat11 because he upset the order of never having a black man in a prominent position or because he didn’t do Putin’s bidding and start destroying the U.S. from the inside?
Andre was convicted and hung as a spy, which is espionage during war. Arnold was a turncoat and fought just as bravely for the British as he did for the Americans. As far as I know, Arnold was never tried and convicted of treason, even in absentia, so technically he isn't a traitor but was only judged in the court of public opinion. While he would have been tried and executed if caught, there would have been cities and states named after him if he did not change sides. But even the worst of criminals thought that they were doing the right thing at the time and could justify their actions for doing so.
American officer: I see you've learned to tie your own shoelaces.
Subordinate: Yep.
Officer: Have a promotion.
Before he betrayed his country, his country betrayed him. He was just like Patton. Imagine if Patton had been stripped of his command and grounded for the remainder of the war for being good at his job. That is exactly what was done to Arnold. So he went to who would let him fight.
That's a cracking photograph of Arnold's wife, who you say died in 1775. Photography wasn't invented for another 40+ years: I think you might have the wrong Margaret Mansfield.
Before photographs, there were various image capture devices, including the Daguerrotype
@@stevenkarmazenuk2540 Not in 1775 there wasn't. There is no way that photo is of Arnold's wife, she's even wearing Victorian era clothes.
“Betrayed his country” you mean came to his senses, realised his treachery and reaffirmed his loyalty to the crown, right? :)
But to be serious, it’s odd that the rebels are respected as loyal patriots (even here in the UK, despite many of them being literally first generation migrants from the UK) while Arnold’s name is reviled. I guess switching sides mid war explains that, but the Italians seem to get away with it.
But what do I know, I live in Washington (the original in the UK where George Washingtons family is from) and we still have a party on the 4th of July. A lot of streets are named after US states or cities and we even have a JFK primary school. We still make sure to put “The Original Washington” on our “Welcome to….” Signs. George Washington and the Lambton wyrm are about all we have after the pits closed.
One of the oddest things I saw when I first came to London was the statue of George Washington.
A British friend sends me a "Terrorist Appreciation Day" card for every July 4th.
@@DoctorX101 I’ve heard of “Happy Traitors Day” cards, but the “Terrorist Appreciation” version is a new one on me
@@DoctorX101 How are “American” soldiers who stayed loyal to the crown viewed in the US? Are they respected for their loyalty to their oath of service or reviled as “Traitors”. It was a weird time, I’m glad our countries moved past it fairly quickly. Burning the White House was just petty, we should have acted better than that, in 1812 we were still basically the same people
@@DoctorX101 You Americans are all traitors really to the crown.
I presume that nearly half the people who have watched this video watched the Oversimplified video on the American Revolution.
By the way, I watched that as well.
Thanks for this!
me: "there's gotta be a biographic on Benedict Arnold. This guy covers everyone"
*sees it was uploaded 2 days ago*
" yep"
Trump: Most treacherous? Hold my beer.
Damnit....I posted my similar comment, then scrolled down... you beat me to it :( lol
Is there a way for us to get the sources you use for your videos? The Biographics website hasn't been updated in a while so many of your more recent videos aren't posted there.
Enterprise is one of the most prestigious names in US Navy history. USS Enterprise (CV-6) was one of the most decorated ships of WWII. USS Enterprise (CVN-65) was the world's first nuclear powered carrier. USS Enterprise (CVN-80) is a Ford class carrier currently under construction, which will ensure that Enterprise will be a name borne by American capital ships for the forseeable future.
I had no idea that such a storied name had such an ignominious origin.
The naval tradition, used by many countries, of re-using names from previous vessels is a fascinationg one. While Enterprise popularly claimed as an American name for a vessel, it was being used by the French and British before the Americans, and has been used by the Royal Navy, and still is.
What about the USS Enterprise from Star Trek?
I thought Gene Roddenberry came up with the name. There should be a starship with that name someday
@Roy_Thousand Yes, very important!
@@michaelhurley3171 Since in the real world, the first space shuttle was named Enterprise at the behest of Trekkies; what is their justification for it in the Star Trek universe?
I never got this ''traitor'' thing, as far as I know about half of Americans wanted to stay under British rule..
Yeah, why was he a traitor? The rebels were the traitors who took the arms against their motherland.
@@666hyperionhellas6 Like you lot getting rid of your king for some German?
See how being a weak troll diminishes you?
And the better textual witnesses attest to "616."
That guy called his shot, said Arnold would sacrifice is country for money.