Example 1777 World Events

Battles of Saratoga –

TOC

The Battles of Saratoga ( September 19 and October 7 ) were decisive Americans victories. British Gen. John Burgoyne led a large invasion army down the Champlain Valley from Canada, hoping to meet a similar force marching northward from New York City. The southern force never arrived, and Burgoyne was surrounded by American forces. He fought two small battles to break out – eighteen days apart on the same ground, 9 miles south of Saratoga, New York. They both failed. Trapped by superior American forces, with no relief in sight, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army on October 17 th . Burgoyne's strategy to divide New England from the southern colonies started well, but slowed due to logistical problems. He attacked General Horatio Gates in the Battle of Freeman's Farm – but suffered significant casualties. He attacked again at Bemis Heights the Americans captured a portion of his defenses. He was compelled to retreat to Saratoga where his army was surrounded by the much larger American force. Burgoyne's surrender was key to formally brining France and Spain into the war as an American ally against Britain. France had given us supplies, ammunition and guns, notably the de Valliere cannon – which was important at Saratoga.