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Turning Point of the War
When winter 1776- 1777 ended, British General John Burgoyne sailed south
on Lake Champlain with over 7000 soldiers.
He wanted to capture Albany, New York, and then continue south down the
Hudson River.
He hoped to cut the United States in two. He was hoping to separate the northern
states from the south.
Burgoyne's March on Albany June-October 1777 aka. the Saratoga Campaign.
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A large American army was standing in Burgoyne's way.
Thaddeus Kosciusko, a Polish engineer had designed a fort for the Patriots near
the town of Saratoga. Here, the Americans planned to stop the British advance.
The two armies clashed in late September and early October, 1777.
This fighting is known today as the Battle of Saratoga.
The Battles of Saratoga:
September, 19 1777: Battle at Freeman's Farm
● This first battle resulted in the Americans retreating.
● The British hoped to get reinforcements from New York City. ( From British
General Clinton.)
October 7, 1777: Battle at Bemis Heights
● Benedict Arnold, a key American general led charge after charge against the
British.
● Arnold led the charge, even after his leg was shot and also shattered by a horse
falling on it.
Above: The Boot Monument
● Arnold never was able to lead American troops again.
● In 1780, he joined the British Army for money, and is known as one of the most
famous traitors in American history.
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This Battle led to the surrender of the British general Burgoyne at Saratoga on
October 17, 1777.
Benedict Arnold's commanding officer, Horatio Gates was given credit for the
victory.
The Battle of Saratoga is known as the turning point in the war.
This battle showed the world that the Continental Army could defeat the strong
British army.
France agreed to join the fight against their old enemy, Britain.