Program Information

For most of his career Benedict Arnold was one of the most revered heroes in American military service. In 1780, he became America’s most famous traitor.

A Moment in Time is a brief, exciting and compelling journey into the past. Created to excite and enlighten the public about the past, its relevance to the present and its impact on the future, A Moment In Time is a captivating historical narrative that is currently broadcast worldwide.

Transcript

Lead: For most of his career Benedict Arnold was one of the most revered heroes in American military service. In 1780 he became America’s most famous traitor.

Intro: A Moment In Time with Dan Roberts.

Content: Benedict Arnold was born in the bustling seaport town of Norwich, Connecticut in 1741. Apprenticed to an apothecary in his youth, he also fought for periods in the French and Indian War. At twenty-one Arnold started a drug and bookstore in New Haven, Connecticut, eventually becoming a successful merchant importing goods from the West Indies and Great Britain. Arnold's first wife was Margaret Mansfield and the couple had three children before her death in 1775. He learned of his wife's death upon returning from the expedition in which he and Ethan Allen led militia forces to capture British Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain.

General George Washington sent Arnold to lead an assault on Quebec City in the fall of 1775. Although the attack was not successful, Arnold's maneuvers had the side effect of deflecting a powerful British advance on New York City the following year. He was a brave and effective leader, but was initially passed over for promotion by Congress in early 1777. Disappointed, Arnold nearly left the army, but General Washington convinced him to stay. Washington's confidence was rewarded. Arnold’s leadership was decisive during the Battle of Saratoga. The Saratoga Campaign is considered a milestone because this first major American battlefield victory convinced the French to assist the cause of independence. Wounded in battle and bitter over his slights, Arnold became military commandant of Philadelphia. Next Time: Love and treason.

The producer of A Moment In Time is Steve Clark. At the University of Richmond, this is Dan Roberts.

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