The Battle of Saratoga

A misconception many people have about the Battle of Saratoga that it was only battle but it actually consisted of two battles. The Battle of Saratoga lasted from September 19, 1777 to October 7, 1777. At the time of the battle the British campaign thought they had their next plan in attack so far in advance that they were guaranteed a victory.

General Horatio Gates assumed the command of the northern American forces on August 19, 1777 and was greeted with enthusiasm. Gates had a reputation as an able administrator. Gates was from Virginia and the soldiers from New England felt that they could trust him as they never had towards General Schuyler. General Schuyler was prejudiced against because he was from New York and represented the wealthy, aristocratic class in that colony. New York soldiers liked Gates because he had helped expel the enemy from their colony in the year before. The fall of 1777 under General Gates command forever changed the direction of American history.

The first Battle at Saratoga was the battle of Freeman’s Farm. As General Burgoyne and his men approached Albany, New York in mid September they were surprised to find that the city was protected under seven thousand patriots under General Horatio Gates co

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On October 7, 1777 Major General Burgoyne and the remainder of his men staged a full assault on the Patriots at Bemis Heights. The Patriots had used the land to their advantage, they decided to rest and let the British make the first move. While General Gates moved his seven thousand men to Bemis Height General Burgoyne was lacking the support of the rebel position due to the loss of Indian scouts and desperately needed supplies. After the victory at Saratoga the British goal of taking control of the north died and they were forced to give up hope of regaining full authority over the northern colonies.

Bemis Heights is a densely wooded plateau a few miles south of Saratoga. Spain eventually followed France and before long England was at war with Holland also. The rest of the American troops retreated to Bemis Heights. As a result of Saratoga the Patriots knew they had gained control of the northern colonies which gave them more confidence and reason to continue fighting. The left column was led by General von Riedesel which also numbered about eleven hundred men. The Americans only lost one hundred and fifty men. Major General Gates, Major General Arnold and Major General Daniel Morgan’s troops made up the Patriots defense. The victory at Saratoga meant that the fight for independence would continue and ultimately be won. Without the help we received from the French navy, troops and financial and military aid that was so desperately needed there is no telling what the path the thirteen colonies would have taken. Burgoyne sent out sixteen hundred men hoping to find a weak spot in his opponents line.

Approximate Word count = 945
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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