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Burgoyne Submits his Plans for the Northern Invasion
As the head of the Northern Army, he would spearhead the Northern Invasion into the 13 original colonies, in order to take over the Hudson River and “cut the head off the snake.” This was the belief that if they were able to cut off New England from the rest of the states, they would die out. What he was about to begin would be detrimental in showing how powerful the US is. Image: Freeman’s Farm . Saratoga. American Battlefield Trust , September 19, 1777. -
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Burgoyne Begins his Invasion.
Burgoyne’s invasion was slowed down due to a combination of different tactics used by the US, as well as some British Commanders not being able to assist. His men traveled for a long time, and since they were alone, it slowed down, they were low on supplies, and needed to locate strongholds for assistance. This is a prime example of how preparedness turned the tide of the war. With this, the strength of the US shined. They were very prepared, and this impacted how strong the US is viewed. -
The Battle of Freeman’s Farm takes place
The Americans under the command of Daniel Morgan inflict heavy casualties on the British Army and their Native allies. There were also plenty of casualties on the Americans side, but not as much as the British. The British took control of Freemans Farm, but they were very weak. Too weak to continue... again the strength displayed inflated the US's reputation. -
The Battle of Bemis Heights Begins
Burgoyne attempts another attack on American forces, by this point, Americans knew what they were doing which allowed for them to set up proper defense points in the event of an attack. We charged into the British, making them retreat. This push back had not gone unnoticed by the British, as they were quickly overrun and overwhelmed. -
General Burgoyne retreats to Saratoga.
Burgoyne’s men took too many casualties as a result of the Battle of Bemis Heights. With the apparent growth of Horatio Gates army being too much for Burgoyne, they decided to retreat, and within a couple of days, they were surrounded. No choice for him but to surrender. -
General John Burgoyne surrenders his Northern Army to Horatio Gates.
This battle truly turned the tide of the American Revolution. It showed that we were not a force to mess with, and grew our resume in a sense, so that other countries would want to be on our side. Take France for example, which after the battles of Saratoga, would become our allies. It gave the French the assurance to sign trade contracts with the Americans, as well as to enter the battle against the British.