The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 saw the American colonies defeat the British in New York, proving they could hold their own. The British plan to retake New York failed due to unfamiliar terrain, lack of expected troops, and Native American abandonment. The battle involved two battles and a pursuit, resulting in the surrender of 5,000 British soldiers. The victory convinced the French to become allies, providing troops and supplies that helped secure American victory in the Revolutionary War.
The Battle of Saratoga was fought in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War. The conflict involved the forces of Great Britain and 13 American colonies declaring independence from British rule. Taking place in New York, the battle was won by the colonists. The significant victory proved that the Americans could hold their own against the mighty British military and allowed the colonists to recruit allies who would shift the Revolutionary War in the Americans’ favor.
Having historically dominated American colonists, British forces aimed to end the American uprising once and for all. Under the leadership of General John Burgoyne, the British planned a multifaceted attack in hopes of retaking New York from the colonists. The plan called for British troops to attack the settler troops from the south, east and north, eventually merging at Saratoga.
Initially, Burgoyne’s tactic was successful, as British casualties were minimal and the troops were able to capture forts at Ticonderoga and Hubbardton. His plan soon began to fall apart, however, as the unfamiliar terrain slowed the British forces, giving the American soldiers valuable time to prepare. Burgoyne also counted on another 1,000 soldiers arriving from Vermont with supplies. Those expected troops never arrived. Furthermore, the Native Americans fighting in the British army abandoned Burgoyne, further decimating his troop numbers.
The Battle of Saratoga actually involved more than battle. The first battle, known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm, was fought on September 19, 1777, on land near an abandoned farmhouse. American troops successfully blocked the British advance. In the process, the Americans weakened the British Army by mortally wounding large numbers of British soldiers.
The Second Battle of Saratoga was fought on October 7, 1777. American troops, led by Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates, held off another British attack during the Battle of Bemis Heights. American forces won a decisive victory, forcing the British forces to retreat.
Burgoyne and his troops attempted to escape by heading north. The rainy conditions made the road conditions treacherous. American forces, led by Gates, pursued British troops into the village of Saratoga. On October 17, 1777, the British found themselves surrounded by more than 20,000 American soldiers. Heavily outnumbered, the 5,000 British soldiers surrendered. The Americans allowed captured British forces to return to England after the war in exchange for never setting foot on American soil again.
The Battle of Saratoga turned the tide for Americans in the Revolutionary War. After the defeat of the British, the Americans convinced the French to become allies. The French provide troops and supplies which played a key role in securing the Americans a victory over the British in the American Revolutionary War.
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