Battles of Saratoga
Locating the Site Locate Lake Champlain, the Hudson River, and Albany on the maps. Why do you think the leaders of the British Army thought it was so important to control the Lake Champlain- Hudson River corridor? The rivers could not support the large ships needed to transport troops, only smaller supply boats. Troops marched along the rough roads that followed these waterways. Use the scale provided on the maps to guesstimate about how many miles Burgoyne's soldiers traveled on foot to get to Saratoga from St. John's, Canada. According to the map, how long did it take them to reach Saratoga? 185 miles
Questions: List three reasons why the delay between the two days of fighting was bad for the British? How did the delay help the Americans? Give three reasons. Who won the first day of fighting? On what date? Who won the second day? On what date? What was the result of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga? (Who else joined the war after?)
VOICES OF BATTLE Translation 1st Account: American 2nd Account: British 3rd Account: Hessian Infantry: Soldiers or military units that fight on foot. Breech: An opening in a gun where bullets are loaded. Compilation: To gather together information. Hastened: Urgent need of quick action; a hurry or rush. Obstinacy: Unyielding or stubborn adherence to one's purpose. Contemptible: Despicable. Hitherto: Until now. “Vivat”: Live/battle song Example: Translation HERE ARE THE ACCOUNTS: http://www.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/93saratoga/93facts3.htm
Voices of Battle What similarities did you find in all three descriptions of the battle? Following the battle on September 19, what opinions do the British and German (Hessian) soldiers offer about the American army? In two out of the three accounts, the writer estimates his opponent’s casualties to be much higher than his own. Why do you think this is the case? Give an example for each writer of a detail he included which brought the battle to life for you. Which account made the greatest impact on you, and why? Are these sources primary or secondary sources? Explain.
The 6600 were the Continental soldiers only! Why?
Visual Evidence: Bemis Heights Today The hills, fields, and ravines are empty today except for tourists, but during the battles for Saratoga in 1777, thousands of American and British soldiers were encamped in fortifications along the Hudson River. What things are missing today that you might have seen in September to October of 1777? Looking at the terrain from Bemis Heights, why do you think the American army placed the American cannon and fortifications in this location?
17. Explain what you think is happening in this famous painting that deals with the Battles of Saratoga. (One paragraph) Burgoyne in red, Horatio Gates in blue (refusing-like a gentleman to not take his sword and also invited Burgoyne into his tent), Daniel Morgan in white.
Surrender of John Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga Painted by: John Trumbull in 1821 The scene of the surrender of the British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga, on October 17, 1777, was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War that prevented the British from dividing New England from the rest of the colonies. Burgoyne in red, Horatio Gates in blue (refusing-like a gentleman to not take his sword and also invited Burgoyne into his tent), Daniel Morgan in white. 18. Is this painting a primary or a secondary source? Explain. 19. In your own words, explain what is actually happening in this picture.