Benedict Arnold: Connecticut’s Conflicted Traitor with Mike Allen

Benedict Arnold’s name is synonymous with being a traitor. At an important point in the Revolutionary War, he orchestrated the handover of top-secret plans about the Patriots’ most important fort, West Point, to British spy John Andre. The plot unraveled; otherwise, the outcome of the fight for independence may have had a different ending. When looking at reasons for his traitorous behavior, his shattered dreams growing up in Norwich are often overlooked. And, before he switched allegiances to join the British, Arnold was considered among the finest of all military leaders on the Patriot side.

Mike Allen specializes in bringing history to life, through his background in journalism, radio broadcasting, podcasting and public speaking. Mike hosted the podcast Amazing Tales About History for four years, interviewing experts on Connecticut history. For 10 years, Mike was News Director at Connecticut radio station i-95 FM (WRKI-FM) before becoming Press Secretary to the Mayor of Danbury. During a subsequent, 25-year corporate career, he worked and lived internationally, specializing in marketing and communications. Mike has lived in Connecticut for more than 50 years, currently residing in Danbury.