Although Benedict Arnold, an American Major General during the Revolutionary War, served his country heroically in several early battles, he is now known as a villain whose name is a synonym for "traitor." Why did an outstanding officer who fought bravely for independence turn his back on America in 1780 and plot to sell the fort at West Point to the British? Several factors led Arnold to commit treason. First of all, the ambitious Arnold became bitter about several setbacks to his career. He was passed over for important promotions, and he alienated several of his superiors with his jealous rivalry. He had a huge ego and craved recognition and public admiration, and he believed the Continental Congress had betrayed him by denying him the official honors he had earned. Arnold was also devoted to his own financial self-interest. He tried to increase his income through legal and illegal means, including inappropriate use of his position to engage in trade. Therefore, when the British promised him $20,000 along with rewards of rank and honor in exchange for West Point, which was under his command, he managed to convince himself that America would be better off under English rule and switched his loyalty in exchange for his own personal gain.