Benedict Arnold is equated with treason in the United States although a plaque in Central London bears the epitaph descriping him as an "American Patriot" . Not a term the American's would have used and having taken part in the revolutionary war initially he was hardly a British patriot either. He could hardly be called a Tory as at least people knew where the Tories stood and his change of allegiance was for personal reasons not for ideological ones i.e self interest and probably pique at others getting preferred advancement. A pure opportunist. It has been alldged that Benjamin Franklin was a double agent but he was more likely playing both sides from a perspective of reluctant support for succession and the interests of his state if the rumours are true.
However suppose Arnold didn't change sides and had gone on to be a military hero. What would cause this? France staying out of the war which would have probably resulted in a victory for the crown? Arnold getting promotion and avoiding dubious financial deals? Arnold just being patient and let events take their course i.e his skills would be needed and he could have returned to a prominent position but maybe his ego was too big? Maybe he even had King makers delusions but like the Earl of Warwick in the Wars of the Roses their influence isn't as great as they think and their changing sides didn't affect the outcome
Oer what if Arnold was a Tory from the start. No Boston Massacre? Had Arnold not been a patriot in the early stages of the war it is concievable the rebellion would have been over i.e no victories at Tociconderoga, Lake Champlain and Saratoga.
However suppose Arnold didn't change sides and had gone on to be a military hero. What would cause this? France staying out of the war which would have probably resulted in a victory for the crown? Arnold getting promotion and avoiding dubious financial deals? Arnold just being patient and let events take their course i.e his skills would be needed and he could have returned to a prominent position but maybe his ego was too big? Maybe he even had King makers delusions but like the Earl of Warwick in the Wars of the Roses their influence isn't as great as they think and their changing sides didn't affect the outcome
Oer what if Arnold was a Tory from the start. No Boston Massacre? Had Arnold not been a patriot in the early stages of the war it is concievable the rebellion would have been over i.e no victories at Tociconderoga, Lake Champlain and Saratoga.