The Battle of Saratoga: Turning Point of the American Revolution

The Battle of Saratoga is considered to be the major turning point of the

American Revolution. This battle proved to the world that the fledgling

American army was an effective fighting force capable of defeating the

highly trained British forces in a major confrontation. As a result of this

successful battle, the European powers took interest in the cause of the

Americans and began to support them.

In the British Campaign of 1777, Major General Burgoyne planned a

concentric advance of three columns to meet in Albany, New York. He led the

main column, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second column

under General Barry St. Leger would serve as a diversionary attack, moving

eastward from Canada along the Mohawk River. General Howe would be expected

to direct the third element of the attack. According to the plan, Howe

would direct General Henry Clinton to move northward along the Hudson River

and link up with Burgoyne in Albany. The goal of this plan was to isolate

and destroy the Continental forces of New England.

Initially, the British plan appeared to be working. Burgoyne's army

continually pushed back the Americans southward along the Hudson River with

only minor casualties. In an attempt to slow the British advances, the

American General Philip Schuyler detached 1000 men under the command of

Major General Benedict Arnold. This force moved west to thwart St. Leger's

eastward advance along the Mohawk River. Arnold returned with his

detachment after repelling St. Leger in time to serve in the Battle of

Saratoga.

First Battle of Saratoga: The Battle of Freeman's Farm

The Battle of Freeman's Farm, the First Battle of Saratoga, was an

indecisive battle fought 19 September 1777 in which Gates lost ground to

the British Disagreements in tactics and personalities led to a heated

argument between generals Gates and Arnold, and Gates relieved Arnold of

command as a result. The Battle of Bemis Heights was the second battle of

Saratoga, taking place October 7th when Burgoyne desperately attacked rebel

defenses with his tired, demoralized army.

At Bemis Heights, Gate's defensive tactics had insured a tactical victory

for the Patriots. However, Arnold saw an opportunity to seize the offensive

while Burgoyne was vulnerable and led a counterattack. This bold move so

badly wounded the British forces that Burgoyne surrendered days later at

Saratoga.

Second Battle of Saratoga: The Battle of Bemis Heights

After waiting several weeks for developments from General Henry Clinton's

campaign along the Hudson River, British commander Lieutenant General John

Burgoyne finally took the offensive on 7 October 1777. Like the First

Battle of Saratoga, his plan focused upon a reconnaissance in force of