What if Benedict Arnold Did Not Abandon the Revolution?

[Frodo]

Let's suppose that Benedict Arnold had received his just recognition in helping to win the Battle of Saratoga, and that he had not turned against the American cause while he was in charge at West Point -how differently would events had transpired had we still had him on our side?

[Mechaman]

Let's suppose that Benedict Arnold had received his just recognition in helping to win the Battle of Saratoga, and that he had not turned against the American cause while he was in charge at West Point -how differently would events had transpired had we still had him on our side?

I predict he would've ended up dying a Nathan Hale death and he would've been known as a Great American Hero. We would've gained momentum due to his execution at the hands of the British and maybe have accelerated the end of hostilities. However, due to the nature of politics the war might still technically end as late as it did IOTL.

This is of course wild speculation.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Maybe some guys here would have AMERICAN HERO ARNOLD in their signatures

[CatoMinor]

He would probably be rememberd as the second best general of the Revolution.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Almost certainly it would have been Arnold and not Gates who would have been sent south after the fall of Charleston.  Arnold surely would not have been as rash as Gates, so likely would not have advanced south from Charlotte to Camden (assuming Arnold also picks Camden as a place to advance to) until he had both had time to get a better sense of the troops under his command and cooler weather than August in South Carolina to march his troops.  So the Battle of Camden would have take place about a month later, with the Continentals both better prepared and not as fatigued by the climate. (Getting the militia some bayonets so that they don't cut and run would also be a great help.)

Camden will prove a tactical victory for the Continentals, but between the area being a bastion of Loyalist support, and the likelihood of further British reinforcements for a second attack, Arnold would either have to fall back on Charlotte or press forward towards Kingstree in Williamsburg Township where he could expect greater support from the people.

Ironically, the lack of a Continental collapse while beneficial in the short run is ultimately harmful to the Continental cause.  It was British overconfidence after OTL Battle of Camden that led to their taking actions that ultimately led to popular support for the Rebel cause in the Upcountry.  Absent that support, the Continentals will have a hard time keeping armies in Upcountry South Carolina supplied.

When it comes time for the Battle of Yorktown, since Cornwallis will likely have stayed in the Carolinas, the British force captured there would be smaller, but would likely be sufficient to cause the British to enter into peace negotiations since any significant defeat would have prompted the Whigs to do so.

[Bo]

He would be considered an American hero instead of a traitor.

[J. J.]

He would have been President Arnold.

[Bo]

He would have been President Arnold.

When? Would he have succeeded Washington?