THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA

The turning point in the Revolutionary War

Embarrassing the British The defeats at Trenton

and Princeton embarrassed the British. Spring 1777 – The British

wanted to strike back

The British attack the Patriots at Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Ontario, and New York City The three armies would

come together at Albany, New York

Delays to Albany The British successfully

recapture Fort TiconderogaBurgoyne was slow in

heading towards AlbanyColonists had chopped down

large trees across his path to slow his progress

Burgoyne was also greedy He was travelling with 30

wagons of luxury goods

Delays to Albany Attacking Philadelphia

General Howe decided to attack Philadelphia first, before heading towards Albany

General Howe captures Philadelphia after winning at Brandywine and Paoli

The Continental Congress flees

Delays to Albany Burgoyne runs low on food

and suppliesSends 800 troops and

Native Americans to Capture Bennington, Vermont

The Greene Mountain Boys attack the British at BenningtonBurgoyne flees to

Saratoga, New York

Waiting in Saratoga Burgoyne was in

Saratoga waiting for reinforcementsThey never came

Howe was still in Philadelphia

St. Leger had been stopped by the Americans at Fort Stanwix

Burgoyne was on his own

The Battle of Saratoga Burgoyne’s troops were badly

outnumbered by the Patriots – 3/1 General Horatio Gates –

attacked from the South Benedict Arnold – attacked

from the North

The British troops were surrounded

October 17, 1777 Patriots capture Burgoyne’s

entire army 5,700 British Soldiers All their Weapons

Battle of Saratoga - Map

The Turning Point in the Revolution Great Victory for the

Patriots Capture John Burgoyne General Howe Resigns British appoint a new

General General Henry Clinton

Morale Booster for the Patriots Led to increased foreign

support for the Patriots “This event will make one

of the most brilliant pages of American History.”

Patriot James Thacher

Gaining Foreign Allies European nations realized

that the United States might actually win its war against Great Britain. Some European nations

gave Americans money and supplies but would not committed to an alliance.

Benjamin Franklin seeks to gain support of the French and Spanish in the Americans’ fight for independence.

France joins the War

France sees that the Americans will probably winFebruary 1778 – France and the U.S. form an

allianceFrance declares war on Great BritainFrance sends money, equipment, and troops to

the American Patriots

Spain joins the War Spain joins the war

because of their hatred toward Great Britain1779 – Spain

Declares war on Great Britain

Bernardo de Gálvez’s -raised army against the British Captured British

troops and Forts in the South

Individuals Support Patriot’s Cause Marquis de Lafayette

Wealthy Frenchman Summer 1777 Spoke little English Lacked combat

experience Gave $200,000 to the

Patriots Becomes a trusted aid to

Washington “The welfare of America is

closely bound up with the welfare of mankind.”