Benedict Arnold was unhappy with his position in the Continental Army by the time he betrayed the cause of the American Revolution to the British. He had requested to resign multiple times after being refused promotions and, from December 1779 to January 1780, was court-martialed because of multiple charges of misconduct.

So how did Arnold, with his patriot’s pedigree, become the most hated man in America? Historians have several theories about why Arnold became a traitor: greed; mounting debt; resentment of other officers; a hatred of the Continental Congress; and a desire for the colonies to remain under British rule.

Why Did Benedict Arnold Betray America? Historians offer up many explanations, including that the Revolutionary War general may have had some self-esteem issues as a child and young man.