Studies Weebly | 8th Grade Social

The victory at Saratoga changed the war in three major ways. First, it proved that the American army could defeat a major British army in a formal battle, not just by hiding and ambushing. Second, it destroyed the British plan to split the colonies in half. After Saratoga, the British changed their strategy and moved the war to the southern colonies.

The Battle of Saratoga was not one single fight, but two important battles fought eighteen days apart. On September 19, 1777, at Freeman’s Farm, American General Benedict Arnold (who was still a hero at this time) led attacks against Burgoyne’s forces. The British held the field, but they lost many men. Then, on October 7, 1777, at Bemis Heights, the Americans attacked again. This time, they surrounded the British. Burgoyne’s army was trapped, outnumbered, and running out of food. On October 17, 1777, General Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of over 5,000 soldiers to American General Horatio Gates. 8th grade social studies weebly

The Turning Point: How the Battle of Saratoga Changed the American Revolution The victory at Saratoga changed the war in three major ways