Arnold Promoted After Ridgefield

Congress promoted Benedict Arnold to major general following his conduct at the Battle of Ridgefield, where he had rallied American forces and fought with conspicuous courage. The promotion addressed some of Arnold's long-standing grievances about being passed over for advancement.

However, Congress did not restore Arnold's seniority relative to officers who had been promoted ahead of him, leaving a wound that continued to fester. Arnold's resentment over rank and recognition — a grievance that Ridgefield temporarily eased but never resolved — would eventually contribute to his decision to betray the American cause.