The Battle of Saratoga

SeptemberOctober 1777 in Albany, New

York
By: Justin Bolinder

The Big Shots of the Battle

There were a few well known military leaders who participated in the battle
of Saratoga. Such as, Benedict Arnold of America, and British General John
Burgoyne. There was also a lesser known American leader Haratio Gates
who took place in the Battle as well. Most would probably know Benedict
Arnold as the big American traitor.

Description of the Battle

The eyewitness, Henry Jolly, said, "We charged the right wing of the
British Grenadiers, who also fled, leaving their Major Acland wounded,
who fell into our hands as a prisoner. We pursued them to their
breastwork and after a few minutes heavy firing from their cannon, we
entered their breastwork. I was within a few paces of General Arnold
when he fell, his leg broken and his horse killed. It has ever been my
opinion that if the darkness of night had not put an end to the
engagement, the British Army would have been compelled to surrender
at mercy. But they stole a night march a few days after and retreated to
Saratoga, fortified and defended themselves, as well as they could until
the 17th of October, when they surrendered the whole army, prisoners of
war."

Who Won the Battle?

This is a particularly interesting case, some people believe that the
colonists won, yet some believe the victory went to the British. However,
more cases say that the colonists won by getting the British to surrender,
such as the eyewitness account on the previous slide.

Significance of the Battle

As USHistory.org states, "The battle of Saratoga was the turning point of
the revolutionary war. The scope of the victory is made clear by a few key
facts: on October 17, 1777, 5,895 British and Hesian troops surrendered
their arms. General John Burgoyne had lost 86 percent of his expeditionary
force that had triumphantly marched into New York from Canada in the
early summer of 1777."