There are many events in history that intrigue and surprise us. There are many historical figures that stand out. In terms of <a href="http://www.realpropertyprovidence.com/" target='_blank'>property management Providence</a> Rhode Island has several historical figures that almost changed <a href="http://www.realpropertyprovidence.com/" target='_blank'>Providence property management</a>. Benedict Arnold is one of them. His treason almost turned the fight for independence in favor of the British. His name is synonymous with being a traitor, but the truth is not so black and white. He was a hero before he became a traitor and an argument can be made that because of Arnold that the Colonies defeated England. <br /><br />Arnold was involved in the first major victory of the colonial war. Fort Ticonderoga in New York was held by the British. Benedict Arnold asked for and received orders for his militia to capture the fort. They met up with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in pursuit of the same goal. Arnold believed it was his destiny to lead both companies in battle and felt Allan should follow his plans and command. The Ethan Allens militia had other ideas. They worked out a plan that allowed for the two commanders to attack and capture the fort. The battle for Fort Ticonderoga was about as dramatic as watching a cow at a salt lick. Trying to transport the troops across the river in the earlier hours, Arnold and Allen were fighting the coming light of dawn. Arnold and Allen decided to attack with only 83 men. They walked up to the Fort, asked the British to surrender and the battle was over without a shot.<br /><br />It was at the battle of Saratoga that Arnold may have saved the Colonies. Arnold was a decisive and assertive leader. He was willing to take risks and push for an advantage. At Saratoga, Arnold wanted an aggressive approach, but was held back by the more conservative General Gates. Later Arnold learned that Gates failed to mention the contribution Benedict made to the first battle of Saratoga. It was under Arnold that great casualties were given to the British. Benedict Arnold was not a man willing to go unrewarded or uncompensated. Gates It was during the second Saratoga battle when Arnold mounted a horse and charged into battle, ignoring the orders of General Gates. Gates sent officers after Arnold with the instruction to get him off the battle field. Prior to his attempted removal, Arnold was storming the British fortification and capturing a part of their defenses. Arnold suffered a major injury as the battle came to a close. After about ten days the British gave up the battle of Saratoga. This victory by the Colonials convinced the French to enter the fray and turn the tide of war in favor of the colonialists.<br /><br />After five months of convalescence, Arnold was appointed the Military Governorship of Philadelphia. Arnold had his seniority restored and, though he had been passed over several times, was finally promoted. The congress began to suspect that Arnold was taking advantage of his position and they had conducted several inquiries throughout his career. It was during this time that Arnold began his secret correspondence with the British. For a large amount of sterling, 100,000 pounds, and a position as Brigadier General, Arnold was going to turn West Point over to the British.<br /><br />Arnold's plan was discovered when his messenger was captured with detailed correspondence in his boots. Arnold fled to the British and tried to justify his behavior in an open letter. After many years, hated at home, un-trusted in Britain, Benedict Arnold perished alone and poor. He was both the hero that saved the colonies and the villain that almost brought them down.<br /><br />
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