*Battle of Saratoga*

 

War: American Revolutionary War

Date: 17^th October 1777

Place: Saratoga on the Hudson River in New York State

Combatants: British and German troops against the Americans

Generals: Major General John Burgoyne commanded the British and German force. Major General Horatio Gates and Brigadier Benedict Arnold commanded the American army

    Throughout the American Revolutionary war there were many key battles taking place. Each of the battles was important in their own aspects. Some of them prevented British troops from advancing while others pushed the British back and restored land previously lost. The Battle of Saratoga goes down in history as one of the most important battles of the war; considered by many to be the turning point of the American Revolution. It helped to prove to the world that the American army was a powerful fighting force capable of defeating the dominant British force in a major battle. The leader of the American force during this battle was Major General Horatio Gates and the leader for the British force was Major General John Burgoyne. As a result of this battle, European countries began to take interest in the Americans cause it proved that an American victory was possible.

    The Battle of Saratoga was a major victory for the American forces and a key turning point in the war. The effects of this battle were larger than either side could have imagined. One effect was that it was their first major victory against the British. It was a huge moral booster and it sent a message to other European powers that America could defeat Britain. Other countries soon began taking serious interest in what was going on over there. Once they heard about the victory, they declared war on Britain and finally officially joined the war. Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Portugal also entered the League of Armed Neutrality, so Britain was fighting most of the western world. The victory also made General Gates very popular and he became known as the “Hero of Saratoga.” The loss weakened the British government. It was the beginning of the end of the war for the British.

    As a result, the Battle of Saratoga became one of the most decisive victories in American history as well as world history.

The Battle of Bemis Heights in the second Battle of Freeman's Farm