Victory at Saratoga
1777 · Saratoga (now New York State, United States) · World · Modern
After two battles, Burgoyne's force was surrounded by the Continental Army at Saratoga; out of ammunition and food, the whole army surrendered on October 17.
Belligerents
Continental Army
- Commanders
- Horatio Gates, Benedict Arnold
- Strength
- About 15,000-plus, growing steadily in the later stages of the campaign
United Kingdom
- Commanders
- John Burgoyne
- Strength
- About 6,000, isolated deep in enemy territory with supplies cut off
Background
The British had planned for one army to push south from Canada and another north from New York to join up, cutting New England off from the other colonies; Burgoyne advanced deep on his own but received no support.
Course of the battle
- Isolated push southBurgoyne led his army south from Canada, constantly harassed and slowed on the march by militia.
- Two setbacksIn the two battles of Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights, the British suffered heavy losses and failed to break out.
- Encircled and surrenderedThe Continental Army completed the encirclement; out of food and with no relief in sight, Burgoyne was forced to sign a surrender.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1777 |
|---|---|
| Place | Saratoga (now New York State, United States) |
| Result | After two battles, Burgoyne's force was surrounded by the Continental Army at Saratoga; out of ammunition and food, the whole army surrendered on October 17. |
| Winner | Continental Army |
| Casualties | Nearly 6,000 British troops surrendered, while the Continental Army suffered several hundred casualties. |
| Territorial change | Britain's strategic plan to cut off New England collapsed completely. |
Impact
The victory at Saratoga is seen as the turning point of the American War of Independence; it convinced France that the Americans could win, and France soon openly signed a treaty and entered the war, internationalizing the conflict.
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