Saratoga Turning Point

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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 …show more content…

When news of Burgoyne's surrender reached France, King Louis XVI began negotiations with the Americans, particularly Ben Franklin, that resulted in a military alliance between the two nations hence bring France into the war making it on a greater stage. Britain was then forced to defend their colonial holdings in the West Indies and Europe against the French, taking up valuable resources and soldiers that could be used to fight the Americans. France was eager to help the Americans, especially since they lost to the British in the Seven Years War. Before the Battle of Saratoga, France didn't fully help the Americans and were skeptical of their ability to win the war. However, after they won the Battles of Saratoga, France realized that the Americans had a chance and began full aid for the Americans sending soldiers, loans, ships, weapons, and supplies. Furthermore, the Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the war since it bought France, Holland Spain, Sweden, Denmark, and Russia into the war creating an alliance that would eventually end the war (Creasy). The geographical location of Saratoga made it the last line of defense against the conquering of New York which, because of its central location, would isolate the other states. This crucial battle not only saved New York, but also inspired the intervention of multiple European nations including the powerhouse France. Because this alliance made American independence and British defeat possible, the battle that took place in Saratoga, NY was the most important battle of the entire

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