1. The turning point in the Revolutionary War
The Battle of Saratoga
The turning point in the Revolutionary War

2. Waiting in Saratoga
Burgoyne was in Saratoga waiting for reinforcements
They never came
Howe was still in Philadelphia
St. Leger had been stopped by the Americans at Fort Stanwix
Burgoyne was on his own

3. The Battle of Saratoga
Burgoyne’s troops were badly outnumbered by the Patriots – 3/1
General Horatio Gates – attacked from the South
Benedict Arnold – attacked from the North
The British troops were surrounded
October 17, 1777
Patriots capture Burgoyne’s entire army
5,700 British Soldiers
All their Weapons

4. Battle of Saratoga - Map

5. The Turning Point in the Revolution
Great Victory for the Patriots
Capture John Burgoyne
General Howe Resigns
British appoint a new General
General Henry Clinton
Morale Booster for the Patriots
Led to increased foreign support for the Patriots
“This event will make one of the most brilliant pages of American History.”
Patriot James Thacher

6. Gaining Foreign Allies
European nations realized that the United States might actually win its war against Great Britain.
Some European nations gave Americans money and supplies but would not committed to an alliance.
Benjamin Franklin seeks to gain support of the French and Spanish in the Americans’ fight for independence.

7. France joins the War France sees that the Americans will probably win
February 1778 – France and the U.S. form an alliance
France declares war on Great Britain
France sends money, equipment, and troops to the American Patriots

8. Spain joins the War
Spain joins the war because of their hatred toward Great Britain
1779 – Spain Declares war on Great Britain
Bernardo de Gálvez’s - raised army against the British
Captured British troops and Forts in the South

9. Individuals Support Patriot’s Cause
Marquis de Lafayette
Wealthy Frenchman
Summer 1777
Spoke little English
Lacked combat experience
Gave $200,000 to the Patriots
Becomes a trusted aid to Washington
“The welfare of America is closely bound up with the welfare of mankind.”

10. The Americans were on their way to Independence
revolution/battle-of-saratoga/videos

11. QR1: Who were the main leaders of this battle?
QR2: Why didn’t the British reinforcements show up?
QR3: How did the patriot’s fighting strategy help them against the British?
qr4: If the British reinforcements had shown up to help Burgoyne how would that have impacted the rest of the American Revolutionary War?