The Battle of Saratoga

 

Saratoga was actually a campaign fought in two major actions in 1777, Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. British General John Burgoyne advanced south from Canada but became overextended, short of supplies, and unable to secure the support he expected. American forces under Horatio Gates, with key battlefield leadership from Benedict Arnold, held their ground and eventually forced Burgoyne’s surrender.

Its importance was diplomatic as much as military. Saratoga convinced France that the Americans had a real chance to win, helping bring French support into the Revolutionary War. That alliance changed the war from a colonial rebellion into a global struggle against Britain.

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