How could President Arnold happen and what would his presidency look like?
He doesn't have to be the first president, although that would be interesting.
He doesn't have to be the first president, although that would be interesting.
Having "President Benedict Arnold" is trivial. Have him go into commerce, and become president of a bank or something.
Presumably you meant President of the US, which would be harder.
I agree with others, keep him away from Peggy Shippen. Have ?Gates? die and let Arnold receive all (or most of) the credit for ?Saratoga?.
He seems to have been reasonable competent as a general, so if we can get his boss out of the way, and keep him from trying to switch sides, he could get pretty famous.
OTOH, he does seem to have a pretty thin-skinned ego, and it's hard to see him doing well as a politician.
I could certainly see him as one of the early Presidents of the Continental Congress (who, OTL aren't recognized as Presidents, which I don't really understand).
If he served in that role and if those Presidents counted, then the challenge is filled.
Actually Schippen was involved with several American officers despite being married to a loyalist. Arnold is the one that got her (and she was considered a catch). I believe others included a young Aaron Burr.
Can't say mnuch for her taste in men Burr is nearly as bad as Arnold perhaps if he had turned traitor it would have got rid of him!
I wouldnt be surprised if there was a state named after him. Arnold was extremely popular until his betrayal.
He might gain the presidency 2nd (no way on earth he was gonna beat Washington).
If he doesn't beat Adams or Jefferson, he might have a chance against Madison. I wonder how President Arnold would do in the War of 1812?