The patriots victory at saratoga

of the of the HIST101 – American History to 1877 The Patriots Victory at Saratoga The Revolutionary war was one of the greatest battles that that have ever been fought in America. The war marked a new era in the American history as it symbolized the Americans’ rebirth as a nation. The Battle of Saratoga was a long struggle of the British army to take control over the Hudson River. The battle was punctuated by two important clashes between the Americans and the British. The Patriots victory at the battle of Saratoga was an important event as it is considered the turning point in the course of American Revolution. The British wanted to suppress the inner rebellions in the country in order to prevent any sort of foreign intervention. Hence, The British advanced to take control over the Hudson River which was of great strategic importance. The first Battle of Saratoga is also known as the battle of freeman’s farm which took place on 19th September, 1777. This is where the British army led by Burgoyne faced part of the General Gates’ army. There was extreme exchange of gun fire and British army was in need of immediate assistance. The distressed British force was able to mark its dominance in the battlefield only when it received military assistance from the German troops. The Americans were able to retreat under the cover of night and hence the British emerged as victors. Despite their victory, the British suffered heavy casualties and more than 600 died in this battle with the Americans still blocking their way to Albany. 1 The British army waited for few days and planned out battle strategies about the ways they could strike after they receive military aid. While the British army was waiting for the aid, the Patriots were busy in reorganizing and reinforcing their army. The Americans took advantage of the delay and different American troops came to join in the struggle against the British and the number of the fighters rose to a mighty 15000. The British troops were very low on supplies and Burgoyne considered retreat as disgrace of the forces so he decided to attack the American troops on October 7th. 2 This second clash between the British and the Americans is known as the Battle of Bemis Heights. The British were outnumbered against the Americans and lost about nine hundred men with several others wounded and taken as prisoners. Seeing the defeat inevitable, Burgoyne ordered his army to retreat but their recoil was hindered by the bad roads and heavy raining. The Americans made pursuit and on October 13th, Burgoyne army was completely surrounded by the Patriots. On the 17th of October, a formal capitulation ‘ ceremony’ was held in which General Burgoyne handed over his sword to Gates and this marked the victory of the American army in the battle of Saratoga. 3 The victory at Saratoga proved to be milestone in the American Revolution as it was a serious blow to the British army. Also it convinced the French to stand by the Americans and provide them with military aid. The Americans had still a lot to do before they could achieve their aims but the Patriots victory at Saratoga was an important victory because bolstered the morale of the Americans and also helped in gaining important international allies. Bibliography Elting, John R. The Battles of Saratoga. Phillip Freneau Pr; 1st edition, 1977. Print. Ketchum, Richard M. Saratoga: Turning Point of America’s Revolutionary War. New York: Holt Paperbacks, 1999. Print. Luzader, John F. Saratoga: A Military History of the Decisive Campaign of the American Revolution. New York: Savas Beatie; 1St Edition, 2008. Print.