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Profs and Pints DC presents: “The Treason of Benedict Arnold,” an in-depth look at one of America’s most despised figures, with Richard Bell, professor of history at the University of Maryland at College Park.
For much of his career, Benedict Arnold seemed an unlikely traitor. After all, he was a skilled officer in George Washington’s Continental Army, a general who led patriot forces to several important victories over the British. Some described him as the bravest and most talented soldier they’d ever seen.
How did he turn into the most famous turncoat in American history? Hear that question tackled by Professor Richard Bell, a scholar of early American history who routinely wows Profs and Pints audiences.
In this riveting talk, full of drama and suspense, Professor Bell will reconstruct the story of Benedict Arnold, the reasons for his treason, and the larger problems of betrayal and desertion that dogged the Continental Army throughout the revolutionary war.
You’ll learn how Arnold began secretly communicating with British intelligence agents, giving away insider information on the fort and American war strategy, while in command at West Point in 1780. When his treachery was discovered he slipped away, making it to the safety of a British ship perfectly named Vulture, and reemerged on the field of battle in a British uniform.
Dr. Bell will leave you with a much richer understanding of a key chapter of American history and of the life and actions of one of the villains in this nation’s story. (Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.)
Image: From Thomas Hart’s 1776 portrait of Benedict Arnold as an American general.
