During my unit on the Revolutionary War, students always enjoy learning about the treasonous history of Benedict Arnold. After walking students through the actions that made Benedict Arnold a household name synonymous with “traitor,” I would present the Aristotle conversation about friendship, asking students to explore the ways in which trying to be a “friend” to both sides of the Revolutionary War failed for Arnold. We might also discuss Arnold’s collaborators, some of whom were executed for their actions.
Level: Secondary Social Studies
Subject Area: US History
Author: Tiffany Heitman