Battles of Saratoga

Quick Facts: Who was Battles of Saratoga?

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Battles of Saratoga

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Decisive battles in 1777 that turned the tide of the American Revolutionary War.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battles of Saratoga were fought September 19 and October 7, 1777 over the same ground by the American Continental Army and the British Army near Saratoga, New York during the American Revolutionary War. The second battle ended with a decisive American victory, and the surrender of the British army there. The outcome greatly affected the course of the war, persuading France to enter the war as an American ally. In both battles, General John Burgoyne commanded the British forces, while Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold oversaw the American forces. Historian Edmund Morgan described Saratoga as "a great turning point of the war, because it won for Americans the foreign assistance which was the last element needed for victory." The British Army's campaign in New York was aimed at dividing New England from the middle and southern colonies.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Burgoyne led an invasion army southward from Quebec, Canada with the goal to take Albany, New York. The strategy began promisingly, but stalled due to logistical issues. British General William Howe never moved his forces north, and Brigadier General Barry St. Leger turned back his forces meant to arrive from the west, leaving Burgoyne surrounded by the Americans in upstate New York, 15 miles (24 km) short of his goal. Burgoyne fought two battles, 18 days apart, on the same ground 9 miles (14 km) south of Saratoga, New York. In the first battle, at Freeman's Farm on September 19, Burgoyne won a tactical victory over the Continental Army at the cost of heavy casualties.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The battle began with Burgoyne's attempt to flank the entrenched American position on Bemis Heights with some of his troops. American Major General Benedict Arnold anticipated the maneuver and placed significant forces in his way. Still, Burgoyne was able to gain the field. Skirmishes continued in the following days while Burgoyne waited in the hope that reinforcements would arrive from New York City. Meanwhile, patriot militia forces continued to arrive, swelling the American ranks.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1777: 1777 Milestone — The Battles of Saratoga were fought September 19 and October 7, 1777 over the same ground by the American Continental Army and the British Army near Saratoga, New York during the American Revolutionary War.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battles of Saratoga

True or False: “The British plan to divide the colonies required all three pincer movements to meet at Albany, New York, in 1777.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the goal was to sever New England from the other colonies by meeting near Albany, the failure of St. Leger's western pincer and Howe's diversionary actions prevented a successful convergence.

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