The man behind the spy: Benedict Arnold

In the American mind, Benedict Arnold and treachery go together like stars and stripes.

U.S. history textbooks hit all the same points: Arnold betrayed the American army during the Revolutionary War, hatching a scheme to surrender West Point to British forces. When his plan was uncovered, he defected to the British Army.

But there's more to Arnold's story — and Nathaniel Philbrick's new book, "Valiant Ambition" looks at the man who became the spy.

"Although it later became convenient to portray Benedict Arnold as a conniving Satan from the start, the truth is more complex and ultimately more disturbing," Philbrick writes. He joined MPR News host Kerri Miller to discuss Arnold, his role in the revolution and his complicated relationship with George Washington.

In 1776, Arnold was a respected member of the fledgling American army, fighting against the British for independence. But as the war dragged on, and Arnold invested his money in the effort, he grew embittered.

"Young men had put their lives on hold to fight for the cause of liberty, and as the war went into its second and third year, they were running out of resources and wondering: 'Why are we doing this?'" Philbrick said. "The American people, after the great ardency of 1776, were beginning to turn their backs on the cause."

Arnold, who Philbrick described as charismatic, handsome, and athletic, felt slighted by the Continental Congress. He had a talent for "rubbing people the wrong way." And he was willing to change sides — for a price.

In coded correspondence between Arnold and the British army, Arnold offered to surrender West Point. "20,000 pounds sterling I think will be a cheap purchase for an object of so much importance," Arnold wrote.

This action cemented his reputation in American history, effectively erasing his war record and his critical role in the early days of the revolution.

His betrayal also had an unintended effect: It re-energized the American people to fight against the British, Philbrick said.

"His treason galvanized the nation in a way that hadn't happened since the Declaration [of Independence] five years before. Arnold would be burned in effigy in cities up and down the eastern seaboard. ... It had a riveting effect."

"The tragedy is that Arnold did so much for the American cause on the battlefield, and what lives on is his treason — a treason that, in a way, turned it around in terms of a true wake-up call for the American people."

For the full discussion with Nathaniel Philbrick, use the audio player above.