- Introduction
The Battle of Saratoga - Practice
- Summary & Tasks
The Battle of Saratoga
General Buroyne's Surrender at Saratoga, in October 1777, marked a turning point in the war for the Americans.
The year 1777 was not as kind to the Americans. British General John Burgoyne was driving south out of Canada in pursuit of Albany, New York, a stronghold for British Loyalists. General William Howe was to meet him in Albany in a "divide and conquer" campaign that would split the colonies in half. General Howe, however, was seduced by the temptation of occupying the Patriot capital and instead headed south towards Philadelphia.
General Burgoyne's trek down Lake George initially appeared easy as he conquered Fort Ticonderoga, but he changed his path and headed over land to Albany. This move slowed his progress tremendously due to his cumbersome entourage, which contained 30 carts alone of General Burgoyne's personal belongings.
Meanwhile, General Washington attacked General Howe at Brandywine Creek and later at Germantown; both ended in American defeats. General Howe successfully captured Philadelphia.
Not to be deterred from his plans, General Burgoyne headed for Albany, but was stopped at Saratoga. This British defeat was a turning point in the war for the Americans. Not only did it boost colonial morale, but encouraged the French to openly support the American cause.
Watch the film below, which highlights the events of 1777 and ends with the Battle of Saratoga. As you watch, complete 4.05 Battle of Saratoga. Once finished, please submit to the 4.05 Battle of Saratoga Dropbox after completion.
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