The Battle of Saratoga

In 1777, the British made a plan to end the war quickly. They wanted to cut off New England from the other colonies by taking control of New York City, Albany, and the Hudson River. British General John Burgoyne would lead 8,000 soldiers from Canada. Barry St. Leger would bring his troops from Lake Ontario, and General Howe would march his soldiers north from New York City. They all planned to meet in Albany and defeat the American armies.

But General Howe had a different idea. Instead of going to Albany, he decided to attack the Patriot capital, Philadelphia. He took the city and forced the leaders of the American government to run away. Howe decided to stay in Philadelphia for the winter instead of going to Albany. At the same time, General Benedict Arnold and the Patriots fought hard to stop St. Leger from reaching Albany. Burgoyne’s army was slowed down by carrying too many supplies and by trees the Patriots had chopped down to block his path. Burgoyne also sent some soldiers to take supplies from the Americans in Bennington, Vermont, but they were defeated by John Stark and the Green Mountain Boys. After this, Burgoyne had to retreat to Saratoga, New York.

Burgoyne’s army got stuck in Saratoga, surrounded by the Patriots, led by General Horatio Gates. General Howe stayed in Philadelphia, and St. Leger was defeated at Fort Stanwix. On October 7, 1777, Burgoyne tried to attack the larger Patriot army, which now included Gates’ and Arnold’s forces. Even though he had some success at Freeman’s Farm, Burgoyne’s army was beaten at Bemis Heights. With no supplies and heavy losses, Burgoyne had to surrender.

The American victory at Saratoga was very important. It gave the American people new hope and showed other countries, like France, that the Americans could win. This led to France becoming an ally of the United States in February 1778. France sent soldiers, ships, supplies, and money to help the Americans. They also declared war on England, and Spain followed in 1779.

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Why did the British generals want to capture New York City, Albany, and the Hudson River in 1777?
1. To capture the capital of the United States
2. To take control of important trade routes
3. To stop the Patriots from gaining supplies
4. To divide New England from the rest of the colonies
What happened when General Howe decided to attack Philadelphia instead of
continuing with the original British plan?
1. He captured Philadelphia but then continued marching to Albany
2. He forced the American leaders to flee, but he stayed in Philadelphia for the winter
3. He met up with General Burgoyne in Albany and defeated the Patriots
4. He was defeated by General Benedict Arnold’s army
What was one of the key reasons why Burgoyne’s army was delayed on their way to Albany?
1. They had too many supplies and were slowed down
2. They were attacked by French Soldiers
3. They ran out of food and supplies
4. They were surrounded by British soldiers
What was the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga in October 1777?
1. The British defeated the Patriots and captured Saratoga
2. General Howe joined Burgoyne’s army, and they won a big victory
3. Burgoyne’s army was defeated, and he had to surrender
4. The French joined the war on the side of the British
What effect did the American victory at Saratoga have on the war?
1. It led to the British signing a peace treaty
2. It convinced France to become an ally of the United States
3. It made the Patriots give up the fight
4. It caused Spain to join the war on the side of Britain