The turning point in the Revolutionary War THE

The turning point in the Revolutionary War THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA

Embarrassing the British q The defeats at Trenton and Princeton embarrassed the British. q Spring 1777 – The British wanted to strike back q The British attack the Patriots at Fort Ticonderoga, Lake Ontario, and New York City q The three armies would come together at Albany, New York

Delays to Albany q The British successfully recapture Fort Ticonderoga q Burgoyne was slow in heading towards Albany q Colonists had chopped down large trees across his path to slow his progress q Burgoyne was also greedy q He was travelling with 30 wagons of luxury goods

Delays to Albany q Attacking Philadelphia q. General Howe decided to attack Philadelphia first, before heading towards Albany q. General Howe captures Philadelphia after winning at Brandywine and Paoli q. The Continental Congress flees

Delays to Albany q Burgoyne runs low on food and supplies q. Sends 800 troops and Native Americans to Capture Bennington, Vermont q The Greene Mountain Boys attack the British at Bennington q. Burgoyne flees to Saratoga, New York

Waiting in Saratoga q Burgoyne was in Saratoga waiting for reinforcements q. They never came q. Howe was still in Philadelphia q. St. Leger had been stopped by the Americans at Fort Stanwix q. Burgoyne was on his own

The Battle of Saratoga q Burgoyne’s troops were badly outnumbered by the Patriots – 3/1 q General Horatio Gates – attacked from the South q Benedict Arnold – attacked from the North q The British troops were surrounded q October 17, 1777 q Patriots capture Burgoyne’s entire army q 5, 700 British Soldiers q All their Weapons

Battle of Saratoga - Map

The Turning Point in the Revolution q Great Victory for the Patriots q Capture John Burgoyne q General Howe Resigns q British appoint a new General q General Henry Clinton q Morale Booster for the Patriots q Led to increased foreign support for the Patriots q “This event will make one of the most brilliant pages of American History. ”

Gaining Foreign Allies q European nations realized that the United States might actually win its war against Great Britain. q Some European nations gave Americans money and supplies but would not committed to an alliance. q Benjamin Franklin seeks to gain support of the French and Spanish in the Americans’ fight for independence.

France joins the War q France sees that the Americans will probably win q. February 1778 – France and the U. S. form an alliance q. France declares war on Great Britain q. France sends money, equipment, and troops to the American Patriots

Spain joins the War q Spain joins the war because of their hatred toward Great Britain q 1779 – Spain Declares war on Great Britain q. Bernardo de Gálvez’s raised army against the British q. Captured British troops and Forts in the South

Individuals Support Patriot’s Cause q Marquis de Lafayette q Wealthy Frenchman q Summer 1777 q Spoke little English q Lacked combat experience q Gave $200, 000 to the Patriots q Becomes a trusted aid to Washington q “The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of mankind. ”