Benedict Arnold a distinguished American military commander grew resentful because other leaders received credit for his successes, Out of frustration and ambition, he began spying for the British. He sent coded messages to British Major John André, revealing details about the defenses of West Point, a key American fort.
The Independentist series on betrayals
As we continue this series to present evidence to Ambazonians that traitors are working against our cause, it is important to remember that history is full of similar figures. In every era and under various circumstances, there have always been individuals who betrayed their people, friends, or causes. Their methods may differ, but the essence is always betrayal.
Below are a few notable examples of traitors throughout history.
- Judas Iscariot (1st Century A.D.)
The name Judas Iscariot has become synonymous with greedy treachery. He was one of the twelve Apostles, but according to the New Testament, he betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver to the Roman authorities.
The leading priests wanted to arrest Jesus but feared the crowds that followed him. They needed a moment and a place where Jesus would be alone, away from the people. Only someone close — like Judas — knew his movements.
The account of Judas’ betrayal is recorded in the canonical Gospels. Matthew 26:14–16 (KJV) states:
“Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests, and said unto them, ‘What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?’ And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.”
Later, Judas was overwhelmed with remorse and tried to return the silver, but the priests refused to take it. In despair, Judas took his own life.
Traitors rarely live happily after their betrayal.
- Marcus Junius Brutus (85–42 B.C.)
Gaius Cassius Longinus (Cassius) and Julius Caesar were both Roman generals and friends. Caesar became a senator and eventually rose to the position of emperor. Cassius grew anxious about Caesar’s power and persuaded Marcus Junius Brutus, another senator and Caesar’s personal friend, to join a conspiracy to assassinate him.
Cassius convinced Brutus by sending letters that claimed the Roman people wanted Caesar dead. On March 15th, 44 B.C. — the infamous Ides of March — Brutus led a group of senators who stabbed Caesar 23 times on the Senate floor.
In Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, the emperor utters the famous words, “Et tu, Brute?” (“You too, Brutus?”) as he recognizes his friend among his attackers.
Just as in Roman times, we also find individuals who once walked alongside us now turning against the cause in their own ways. Betrayal often comes from those closest to us.
- Benedict Arnold (1741–1801)
Benedict Arnold is perhaps the most infamous traitor in American history. During the American Revolution, Arnold distinguished himself as a brilliant military commander. His tactical skills were instrumental in defeating the British at the decisive Battle of Saratoga (1777).
However, Arnold grew resentful because other leaders received credit for his successes, and Congress refused to promote him. Out of frustration and ambition, he began spying for the British. He sent coded messages to British Major John André, revealing details about the defenses of West Point, a key American fort.
When André was captured with these messages, Arnold’s betrayal was exposed. He fled to the British side, openly joined their army, and after the war, moved to England. Despite his services, he was never fully trusted or respected — neither by the British nor anyone else.
Even those who benefit from a traitor’s actions do not trust the traitor.
(to be continued)
Leave feedback about this