Early in 1777, Lord George Germain, who was responsible for British war strategy, approved a plan suggested by Major General John Burgoyne. In the British Campaign of 1777, General Burgoyne wanted to advance three columns to meet in Albany, New York. Burgoyne was to lead an army south from Canada, another group of troops, led by Lieutenant Colonel St. Leger, was to join from Canada, and General Howe was to join from New York. The British wanted to take control of the Hudson River Valley and cut off New England from the other colonies and force an end to the American rebellion. General Burgoyne took off from St. Johns with around 9.000 men in June

The Battle of Saratoga was a major victory for the American forces and a key turning point in the war. The effects of this battle were larger than either side could have imagined. One effect was that it was their first major victory against the British. It was a huge moral booster and it sent a message to other European powers that America could defeat Britain. Other countries soon began taking serious interest in what was going on over here. For months, there were rumors that suggested France wanted solid proof of the strength of the revolution before they would officially hand over French military aid to our cause. Once they heard about the victory, they declared war on Britain and finally officially joined the war. Spain not long after did the same. Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Portugal also entered the League of Armed Neutrality, so Britain was fighting most of the western world. The victory also made General Gates very popular and he became known as the “Hero of Saratoga.” The loss weakened the British government. It was the beginning of the end of the war for the British. As a result, the Battle of Saratoga became one of the most decisive victories in American history as well as world history.

General Burgoyne was ready to renew his attack on the following day, but General Fraser, who was in charge of the west column, requested to have a day's rest for his men. Burgoyne then decided to begin building a series of defensive field fortifications around the farm. He constructed the Balcarres Redoubt at Freeman's Farm, which was the forward most position, as well as the Breymann Redoubt. His Canadian troops constructed a series of stockade cabins. In addition, a floating bridge was constructed across the Hudson River. Then on September 21st, Burgoyne received a letter from Major General Henry Clinton. Burgoyne had been requesting reinforcements from Clinton for nearly six weeks and Clinton informed Burgoyne that he was leading his troops into the area, so Burgoyne postponed his attack on the American position. For nearly three weeks he waited but Clinton did not come. By now, Burgoyne's situation had gotten critical. He was faced by a growing American army which now had reinforcements from the New Hampshire, New England, and New York militia. By October 7, General Gates had over 11,000 men in his army. Burgoyne was also without hope of reinforcements from the south. Disease and desertion were taking their toll, and his horses were starving. The British army became weaker with each passing day. By October 3, rations for his troops were reduced by one-third.

Darkness ended the days fighting and saved Burgoyne's army from instant defeat. That night he left his campfires burning and lead his troops from their headquarters. The next night, October 8, after burying General Fraser, the British began their retreat northward. They had suffered over 1,000 casualties in the fighting of the past three weeks; American losses numbered less than 500. After an awful march in mud and rain, Burgoyne's troops took shelter in a camp just outside of Saratoga. The American force that had grown to nearly 2

Some topics in this essay:
Battle Saratoga, Major Friedrich, Freeman’s Farm, Arriving Americans, Clarke Burgoyne's, England York, Saratoga American, Burgoyne Burgoyne, Saratoga York, Morgan's Riflemen, battle saratoga, british force, hudson river, american forces, freeman's farm, major john, major john burgoyne, 1777 gates, balcarres redoubt, gates arrived, burgoyne march, british force major,