The_Battle_of_Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga The battle of Saratoga was fought from September 19th to October 17th 1777 in the Saratoga County, New York. It is considered to be the turning point of the American Revolutionary War. It proved to the world that the Americans are a strong fighting force and are capable of defeating the Great Britain on its own. As a result, the French put in its interests and believes in the Americans and began to aid them. The duration of this battle lasted for eighteen days. In June 1777, John Burgoyne, a British army officer, politician and dramatist attempted to divide the United States by moving south from the British province of Quebec of the Hudson River valley, separating the New England states from those to the south to gain control. He failed to succeed and had 1,000 men killed or captured at the August 16 Battle of Bennington. The American Continental Army was running a slow retreat because of Burgoyne’s capture of Ticonderoga. They were under General Philip Schuyler, on August 19th, Horatio Gates, the revolution’s most controversial military figures toke power over Schuyler and became the successor of the army that was growing tremendously. The first battle, also known as the Battle of Freeman’s Farm began on September 19th, when John Burgoyne, a British army officer, politician and dramatist attempted to flank American’s position on Bemis Heights. He led the Saratoga Campaign south from Canada towards Albany, New York. They had taken control and power, and the American’s weren’t organized or prepared. As a result, Gates lost to the British Disagreements in strategies and personalities. The second Battle of Saratoga was taken place on October 7th in Bemis Height’s. General John Burgoyne made his defensive line stronger while it extends to the Hudson River. Meantime, the American forces led by Horatio Gates were at Bemis Heights getting ready with defense with 1,700 men. He also strengthened his defensive line against the attacks of Britain; he kept his forces inside their battlement just west of the Hudson River. It ended with the Americans capturing nearly 6000 redcoats and Burgoyne surrendered returning back to England with disgrace and was never given another command. When news flew to Europe, France entered was on the side of the patriots and recognized the power of American. They also aided the continental army and acknowledged the United States Saratoga was breakthrough for the continental army. They gave them money, and supplies, supporting them against the British. Some people might argue that the turning point of the war was when the French joined in. However, the Battle of Saratoga was the major victory for the Americans as they captured a large number of British redcoats. Also, it was a morale boost to the Americans who had been losing most of the battle against the British. Furthermore, it stopped the British army from meeting up with more British forces which were heading to Philadelphia in order to capture the city. Neither last but not least, had the battle given the king of France confidence in the abilities of the Continental Army, resulting in French military aid to the colonies. It convinces France that America is capable and might win the war against Great Britain. Leading to France uniting with America, committed all of its nation’s warships to America and without the navy, America could not have won at Yorktown. Britain’s loss proved disastrous; also the fact that rebels were capable of defeating a strong force army. Bibliography: "Why the battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the war'." Answers.com. 2010 Answers Corporation, Web. 11 Nov. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_the_battle_of_Saratoga_was_a_turning_point_in_the_war>. "Why was the Battle of Saratoga the most significant moment in bringing about victory in America's war for independence'." Answers.com. 2010 Answers Corporation , n.d. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. . Pamreid, . "Why was the battle of saratoga the turning point of the revolutionary war'." Answers.yahoo.com. 2010 Yahoo! Inc., 2007. Web. 8 Nov. 2010. .