The Battle of Saratoga The turning point in the Revolutionary War

Waiting in Saratoga Burgoyne was in Saratoga waiting for reinforcements – They 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 win – February 1778 – France and the U.S. form an alliance – France declares war on Great Britain – France sends money, equipment, and troops to the American Patriots

Spain joins the War Spain joins the war because of their hatred toward Great Britain – 1779 – 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.”

The Americans were on their way to Independence