Why did Benedict Arnold become a traitor?
He was constantly passed over for promotion in the Continental Army despite having demonstrated bravery above the call of duty in many battles during the Revolutionary War. Added to this was his marriage to young social-climbing Penny Shippen. He was motivated by desire for wealth, social status and power. In an act that has made his name synonymous with treason in American history, Arnold conspired to turn his command of West Point over to the British. In return, he was to receive money and become a general in the British army.
