Introduction to

THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA

The Battle of Saratoga is said to be the biggest turning point in the Revolutionary War. The battle showed the world that the young American army was an effective fighting force. It could beat highly trained British troops in a major battle. As a result of this great battle, the European powers were interested in the cause of the Americans and began to support them.

In the British Campaign of 1777, Major General Burgoyne planned a march of the three troops to meet in Albany, New York. He led the main troop, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second troop lead by General Barry St. Leger would serve as a different attack, moving eastward from Canada along the Mohawk River. General Howe would direct the third plan of the attack. According to the plan, Howe would direct General Henry Clinton to move northward along the Hudson River and meet up with Burgoyne in Albany. The goal of this plan was to seperate and destroy the main forces of New England.

In a try to slow down the British from going forward, the American General Philip Schuyler separated 1,000 men under the order of Major General Benedict Arnold.

The Battle of Freeman's Farm, the first battle in the Battle of Saratoga, was an unsure battle fought September 19, 1777 in which Gates lost ground to the British. The Battle of Bemis Heights was the second battle in the Battle of Saratoga, taking place October 7th when Burgoyne urgently attacked rebel defenses with his tired, wrecked army. However, Arnold saw a chance to beat the attacking army while Burgoyne was wounded and led a counterattack. This bold move so badly wounded the British forces that Burgoyne surrendered days later at Saratoga.