“The turning point of the Revolutionary War"
October 17, 1777- The Battle of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga was a series of battles that culminated in the Battle of Saratoga and the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. This decisive victory by the Americans was a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
The main leader for the British was General John Burgoyne. He had the nickname "Gentleman Johnny".
The Americans were led by Major General Horatio Gates as well as General Benedict Arnold.
British General Burgoyne had come up with a plan to defeat the American colonies.
Burgoyne was to lead his army south to Albany, New York. At the same time General Howe was to advance north along the Hudson River and St. Leger would lead a third army in from the west. They would meet at Albany and attack the Colonial Army.
Burgoyne and his army successfully advanced south. General Howe, however, had other plans. Instead of heading north to Albany, he headed east to take Philadelphia. Meanwhile, St. Leger was caught in another battle. Burgoyne was on his own.
Burgoyne ended up surrounded and surrendered.
Results
The Battles of Saratoga and the surrender of the British army under General Burgoyne was one of the major turning points of the Revolutionary War. The Americans morale was boosted and the country now felt it could win the war. Just as important to the war, the French decided to support the Americans with military aid.
Interesting Facts About the Battles of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga was a series of battles that culminated in the Battle of Saratoga and the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. This decisive victory by the Americans was a turning point of the Revolutionary War.
The main leader for the British was General John Burgoyne. He had the nickname "Gentleman Johnny".
The Americans were led by Major General Horatio Gates as well as General Benedict Arnold.
British General Burgoyne had come up with a plan to defeat the American colonies.
Burgoyne was to lead his army south to Albany, New York. At the same time General Howe was to advance north along the Hudson River and St. Leger would lead a third army in from the west. They would meet at Albany and attack the Colonial Army.
Burgoyne and his army successfully advanced south. General Howe, however, had other plans. Instead of heading north to Albany, he headed east to take Philadelphia. Meanwhile, St. Leger was caught in another battle. Burgoyne was on his own.
Burgoyne ended up surrounded and surrendered.
Results
The Battles of Saratoga and the surrender of the British army under General Burgoyne was one of the major turning points of the Revolutionary War. The Americans morale was boosted and the country now felt it could win the war. Just as important to the war, the French decided to support the Americans with military aid.
Interesting Facts About the Battles of Saratoga
- Benedict Arnold did not get along with General Gates. At one point they had a heated argument and Gates relieved Arnold of his command.
- Despite being relieved of his command, Benedict Arnold entered the battle at Saratoga. He was injured when his horse was shot and fell on his leg.
The Plan:
Three British armies converge at Saratoga and surround the Continental army.
St. Leger's army
Burgoyne's army
Howe's army
Three British armies converge at Saratoga and surround the Continental army.
St. Leger's army
Burgoyne's army
Howe's army
The reality:
Howe went to capture Philadelphia.
St. Leger never arrived (on his way was caught in another battle).
Burgoyne arrived and his army fought.
Howe went to capture Philadelphia.
St. Leger never arrived (on his way was caught in another battle).
Burgoyne arrived and his army fought.
Burgoyne's army ends up surrounded and he has to surrender.