The American Revolution: The Battle Of Saratoga

The American Revolution had many battles that took place that affected the Revolution. The Battle of Saratoga had proven to be a huge disadvantaged to the weaker American force were strong enough to overpower the British forces. On 17 October 1777, the surrender of the British during the Battle proved to the world that the American Army was an effective fighting force. The victory also became a major turning point in the colonies fight for Independence. The victory resulted in needed military support from European powers, particularly France, against the British Empire. (Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 2006) The major factors that led to the British downfall during the Battle of Saratoga were their lack of intelligence collection assets, American

versus European tactics, harsh terrain, poor logistic, and American resolve.
Major General Burgoyne planned an elaborate attack to meet in New York. He led the main element, which moved southward down the Hudson River. General Howe would be expected to take his element of the attack from the south from New Jersey. According to the plan, Howe would move northward along the Hudson River and link up with Burgoyne in Albany. The goal of this plan was to isolate and of the Continental forces of New England colonist. The attack would gain control of the Hudson River and Demoralize the Americans and any possible allies.
In 1777 Burgoyne's army of over 7,000 men departed Canada across Lake Champlain, bound for Fort Ticonderoga, at the southern end of the lake.

Burgoyne continued his march towards Albany, but miles to the south a disturbing event occurred. Sir William Howe decided to attack the Rebel capital at Philadelphia rather than deploying his army to meet up with Burgoyne and cut off New England from the other Colonies. Meanwhile, as Burgoyne marched south, his supply lines from Canada were becoming longer and less reliable. Burgoyne had gathered his supplies to cross the Hudson River to Saratoga with his men. He had only a few scouts left to tell him about the enemy's position were located, General Burgoyne had to march south fairly slow. General Howe had left New York to take Philadelphia. He left a back up of British soldiers whom were under the command of General Henry Clinton to defend the New York City. By beginning October, General Burgoyne realized that General Clinton would never make it. He was already forced to put his men on limited rations, and he did not want to surrender to the Americans, whom he contemplated was close to seized. The Americans were able to withhold from the attacks, and they almost killed General Burgoyne in the process, by shooting his horse, and his

hat.