The Notorious Benedict Arnold

Which of the following does NOT describe Benedict Arnold?

• He is famously known for betraying his own people.

• He was once a respected and patriotic military leader.

• His family used their wealth to put him through college.

• He was poor when he died, but had owned businesses earlier.

Which of the following statements best describes Arnold’s experiences in the early part of the war?

• He felt overlooked while seemingly less qualified men were promoted.

• He was celebrated publicly and rewarded greatly by George Washington.

• He was punished by George Washington for losing too many battles.

• He was weak and soldiers did not respect his leadership in battle.

PART A: Which of the following best describes a central idea of the text?

• Peggy Shippen, Arnold’s wife, is mainly to blame for his treason

• Lack of appreciation and credit for his military career was one of the driving forces behind Benedict Arnold’s change of loyalties.

• Benedict Arnold was the most loyal patriot to the American colonies before his betrayal.

• Benedict Arnold’s betrayal has been misunderstood and exaggerated in US history.

PART B: Which of the following quotes best supports the answer to Part A?

• "He built himself into a genuine war hero, then died penniless in exile from the country he once loved.” (Paragraph 1)

• "An intensely loyal and brave man, he made a brilliant battlefield commander….” (Paragraph 2)

• "The more he learned about Peggy, the more Arnold discovered that she had many powerful pro-British friends and was really an enemy of American independence. Thus began the spiral for Benedict Arnold….” (Paragraph 18)

• "His bitterness about being ignored, passed over for promotions, and relegated to military commander of a city instead of a group of soldiers boiled over when stirred by his new wife’s anti-American sentiments and pro-British contacts.” (Paragraph 19)

Which statement best describes how Benedict Arnold’s involvement in the American Revolutionary War is first introduced in the text?

• He fought successfully in the French and Indian War and made a name for himself there.

• The enactment of the Stamp Act spurred Arnold into protesting British taxation, trying to save his business.

• The Boston Massacre outraged Arnold and pushed him to seeking American retribution.

• He joined the Sons of Liberty and the Connecticut militia, eager to fight the British.

PART A: What does the term “skeleton” most likely mean as used in paragraph 8?

"In reality, a skeleton crew policed the fort and its surroundings, and Arnold and his force had little trouble seizing it."

• Bones

• Sparse

• Skinny

• Frightened

PART B: Cite evidence to support the answer to Part A.

• "What was supposedly a well defended fort..."

• "...had little trouble seizing it."

• "Impressed with Arnold's plan..."

• "...gave Arnold the rank of colonel..."