Benedict Arnold did not regret his decision to join the British after the United States won the Revolutionary War.
Historical records and scholarly research provide no evidence that Arnold expressed remorse or second thoughts about his defection. He remained adamant in his choice throughout his life despite a difficult post-war existence in England and Canada.
Arnold’s defection stemmed from a profound sense of betrayal by American leaders. He perceived personal slights from rival officers, the Continental Congress, and even General George Washington. Arnold felt undervalued despite his significant military contributions early in the war. This resentment motivated him to accept a British commission as a Brigadier General.
After his attempted betrayal involving West Point and subsequent service under the British, Arnold left for England in late 1781.
- He spent years trying to convince British officials to keep fighting the war but failed.
- Arnold’s post-war years were marked by persistent financial hardship and fragile health.
- He engaged in various business ventures and relocated to Canada before his death in 1801.
During this time, Arnold sought to restore his family’s ruined reputation but never publicly renounced his decision.
The public and press in Great Britain barely acknowledged his death. For example, the New Brunswick’s Royal Gazette simply noted his passing with a short notice, showing he lacked significant recognition or sympathy.
Some early American narratives fabricated stories about Arnold’s regret. These fictional accounts often depicted him mournfully reflecting on his Continental Army days while lamenting his betrayal. These stories appear to be propaganda designed to vilify Arnold further rather than factual history.
Historian James Kirby Martin, in his biography Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered, stresses Arnold’s sense of betrayal and motivation for switching sides. Martin emphasizes Arnold’s consistent attitude throughout his life, which lacks any indication of regret.
Similarly, Barry Wilson’s work, Benedict Arnold: A Traitor in Our Midst, highlights Arnold’s challenging post-war life, noting no evidence of remorse.
- Wilson points out that Arnold’s financial claims were promised but never fully compensated by the British government.
- Arnold’s wife’s correspondence never suggests he wished he had remained loyal to America.
- He consistently maintained loyalty to the British cause until his death.
In summary, the vast consensus among historians and primary sources confirms that Benedict Arnold did not regret joining the British. His decision was driven by personal grievances and a belief that he deserved better treatment from the American side.
Despite hardship, Arnold never publicly or privately reversed his treasonous decision. Historical myths of his regret are largely discredited and stem from nationalistic storytelling rather than documented facts.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Defection | Felt betrayed and undervalued by American leaders, personal insults |
| Post-War Life | Moved to England and Canada; struggled with debt and poor health |
| Evidence of Regret | None found in records, letters, or biographies |
| Historical Myths | Early American propaganda fabricated regret stories |
| Final Recognition | Died unnoticed in 1801, minimal public attention |
- Arnold’s defection resulted from deep resentment towards American leadership.
- He never admitted regret despite losing support and respect.
- Post-war struggles reflected his fall from grace, not repentance.
- Historical fiction about his remorse lacks evidence.
- Noted historians agree on Arnold’s enduring loyalty to the British cause.
Did Benedict Arnold Regret His Decision to Join the British After the United States Won the Revolutionary War?
The short and straightforward answer is: No, Benedict Arnold never regretted his decision to join the British after the Revolutionary War ended. Despite what many may imagine or hope, there’s no solid evidence, letters, or first-hand accounts that show Arnold second-guessing his infamous choice. Let’s unpack this fascinating and complex piece of history grounded in facts and give you the full picture.
Why do so many people assume Arnold must have regretted his betrayal? That’s a story worth telling.
Who Was Benedict Arnold, Really?
Before earning the notorious label “traitor,” Arnold was a passionate American patriot and a capable general. He contributed significantly to early American victories but grew bitter. Why? Because despite his bold efforts, other officers and even George Washington repeatedly overlooked or undercut him. The Continental Congress added bumps in the road, refusing to reward him properly.
Imagine doing all the heavy lifting at work, only to get credit snatched by colleagues—and your boss barely notices. Frustrating, right? Arnold felt this sting deeply. His wounded pride and perceived betrayals led him to make a shocking move: he switched sides and joined the British, taking a commission as a Brigadier General under their banner.
The Myth of Regret: Propaganda and Pauses in History
Here’s where storytelling and history collide. Early American historians—especially those writing over a century ago—“crafted” a slightly more comforting tale. They imagined Arnold lying on his deathbed, regretting his treason, laying out his old Continental Army uniform, wishing he had stayed loyal. Sounds dramatic and fitting, right? Sadly, it’s just a myth.
No credible historical record supports Arnold ever expressing regret. In fact, his known behavior and the testimony of close sources suggest otherwise. Arnold was not a man to second-guess big decisions publicly or privately.
Life After the War: Struggles and Stubbornness
After his failed military career on the British side, Arnold moved to England in late 1781, near the end of the war.
One might guess that the defeat of the British felt like a major blow, tempting him to rethink his allegiance. But Arnold didn’t turn around. He actually tried to convince British lawmakers to keep fighting against America. They weren’t interested.
Financially, his life was tough. Arnold was in debt and frail. Several business ventures, many in shipping, failed to bring relief or redeem his family’s reputation. In time, he resettled in Canada, continuing to wrestle with poor health and finances until his death in 1801.
Interestingly, his death passed almost unnoticed in Britain. Newspapers made barely a passing mention, showing that even in Britain, he was not hailed as a major hero. This quiet end is at odds with what you might expect for a “repentant” traitor or a tragic American villain regretting his choices.
Biographers’ Insights: No Room for Regret
Two respected historians provide clear perspectives. James Kirby Martin, in Benedict Arnold, Revolutionary Hero: An American Warrior Reconsidered, highlights how Arnold’s sense of betrayal fueled his defection. Martin argues Arnold’s motivations were consistent, not fluctuating with regret or second thoughts.
Barry Wilson’s Benedict Arnold: A Traitor in Our Midst examines Arnold’s post-war years closely. He points out Arnold’s continued loyalty to the British cause, his financial woes, and declining health. Wilson highlights that Arnold’s wife never indicated he regretted his choices. That’s pretty telling since spouses often know the most intimate truths.
Also, the British government promised Arnold financial compensation for expenses but retracted those payments, adding to his frustration. Despite setbacks, he did not recant.
What Does This Mean Today?
Could we blame Arnold if he regretted his choice? Sure, the stakes were huge. He gambled his honor, legacy, and family’s future. But historical facts don’t show regret—they show a man convinced he was wronged and justified. For Arnold, loyalty to the British side was a matter of principle and survival.
This invites a bigger question: How do we interpret history’s so-called “villains”? Is it fair to hope they felt remorse, or should we face the raw truths about their choices and motivations? Arnold’s story reminds us that humans are complicated.
So, Did Benedict Arnold Regret His Decision?
In sum:
- No evidence exists of regret by Benedict Arnold.
- Arnold’s switch to the British was sparked by personal and political betrayal.
- After the war, he faced financial troubles but stayed loyal to Britain.
- Early stories of him regretting were likely propaganda to comfort Americans.
- Biographers and historical accounts support the fact Arnold didn’t repent.
Arnold’s story serves as a reminder: Not all tales end with neat lessons or regrets. Sometimes people stick to tough choices, no matter the cost, challenging us to understand them beyond headlines.
