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The Role of Betrayal in History
Betrayal and Its Role in History
Ever since people could trust, they could also betray. There are stories of those that have betrayed and been betrayed all throughout history. Reasons why people choose to betray those close to them or to destroy the trust others have in them by being disloyal cannot often be understood, but we can do our best to look at the past and learn from it. Some examples of betrayal have become so well-known and had such important roles and effects on history that they make it into classrooms, books, and articles. A couple of these, known by many, are Brutus’ betrayal of Caesar and Judas’ betrayal of Jesus. The most famous, or rather, infamous, traitor in American history is probably Benedict Arnold, who became well known for switching sides from the Continental Army to Britain during the Revolutionary War.
Many wonder what possibly could have pushed Arnold to “desert the cause for which he had fought so gallantly and twice been wounded” (Henretta). Benedict Arnold is remembered mainly as a traitor of the Patriot cause, but prior to his appointment as a general in the British army, he did great things to help in the fight for freedom. People who respected him thought “No general was more imaginative than Arnold, no field officer more daring, no soldier more courageous” (Henretta). He played essential roles in the battles of Ticonderoga and Saratoga. In fact, without . . . read more.
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