Read a couple threads which discussed how, if America wins at Brandywine within two weeks of winning at Saratoga, it could prevent the British from taking Philadelphia and demoralize them enough that, after being unable to find a good victory in 1778, the British would just grant American independence. As one poster noted in one of those threads, they would see the US as a second rate European nation akin to perhaps the dutch. Not on their level but definitely not just a bunch of hicks either.
But, Benedict Arnold was still a valuable member of the United States military then. So, what does he do if he ends up on The Winning Side before he has a chance to turn traitor?
He doesn't seem to have been quite like James Wilkinson, who actively spied for the spanish. Rather, he seems to have been more someone who felt he deserved some honor and when he didn't get it, he's stormed off in a rage and vowed revenge. Potentially a toxic teammate, but not any worse than a typical clubhouse cancer, to use a modern sports phrase, unless the right chance came along.
So, what does he do? Just quit the military and discussed? Maybe take a position in the west so he does not have to be around antagonizing those in the east? He would probably be able to do some good if sent out to Illinois or Indiana to deal with the natives and help settlers.
Or, maybe he would not even need to be given that. Perhaps he would just retire and be remembered as someone who fought valiantly and was wounded at Saratoga but who just didn't always get along with the top brass.
Or, might he have gotten a place in the post Revolutionary War army and remained a leader of it?
But, Benedict Arnold was still a valuable member of the United States military then. So, what does he do if he ends up on The Winning Side before he has a chance to turn traitor?
He doesn't seem to have been quite like James Wilkinson, who actively spied for the spanish. Rather, he seems to have been more someone who felt he deserved some honor and when he didn't get it, he's stormed off in a rage and vowed revenge. Potentially a toxic teammate, but not any worse than a typical clubhouse cancer, to use a modern sports phrase, unless the right chance came along.
So, what does he do? Just quit the military and discussed? Maybe take a position in the west so he does not have to be around antagonizing those in the east? He would probably be able to do some good if sent out to Illinois or Indiana to deal with the natives and help settlers.
Or, maybe he would not even need to be given that. Perhaps he would just retire and be remembered as someone who fought valiantly and was wounded at Saratoga but who just didn't always get along with the top brass.
Or, might he have gotten a place in the post Revolutionary War army and remained a leader of it?