Why Was New York State Important

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From the moment of its first colonization by Peter Stuyvesant as New Netherlands, New York State showed military promise to both the British and the French. Colonial New York extended from the Atlantic at New York Harbor all the way north, to the great lakes on the border of the French colonies of Quebec and Ontario, which made up the combined colony of Canada. Its great size places it perfectly in between the Southern States and New England. Therefore, whoever controlled New York controlled the fate of both regions of the original 13 states. New York is utilized for its geographical importance in two of the most prominent wars of early American history: The French and Indian War and The American Revolution. The significance of New York State was that it was geographically the focal point of both the …show more content…

Burgoyne suffered a considerable and unrecoverable loss that resulted in the loss communication with Howe, who he was to meet with from the south. He decided to continue his march nevertheless and had a brief encounter with the Americans, forcing them to set up camp despite being victorious. Both sides suffered considerable losses as the Americans grew newfound confidence in their skills against the British Army. The Americans had fallen back and were now strongly posted near Stillwater, halfway between Saratoga and Albany, but were determined not to let up. A month later, Arnold regrouped with Gates and led a heroic charge against the British, where Arnold was shot in the leg (McDowell). Because of the charge, the Indians and Canadians started to desert Burgoyne as Gates and Arnold were being continually reinforced by militia. More importantly, the Americans then had greater numbers than the British allowing them to win the most important battle of the Revolutionary

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