THE BATTLE OF SARATOGA


     The battle of  Saratoga was  the turning point of the Americans' War of
Independence. There was actually two battles at Saratoga, New York. The first began on
September 19,1777 and on October 7 the second battle began. At the first battle of
Saratoga, the british lost two men for everyone of  the americans lost. At the second
battle, known  as Bemis Hieght, british  losses were four to one ,the rebels victory was
over whelming. Burgoyne surrender on October 17.gates setup strong lines at Bemis
Heights, close to Saratoga.
 
     Benedict Arnold wouldn't wait he took his divison and attacked at Freeman's
Farm on September 19,1777. General Gates took away Arnold's command. Arnold stayed
close to his troops. On October 7,the two armies clashed again and the Arnold took
charge and lost 1,200 men and surrender 5,700 men to  the Americans The americans had
a spectacular victory over the british army at Freeman's farm.

     Campaign helped decide the outcome of the American revolution. British
approved a plan to seize control of the Hudson river and cut off  New England from from
the other colonies. The battle at freeman's farm is known as the  First Battle of Saratoga.
After burgoyne surrender at Bemis Heights.It encouraged the French to join on the side of
the americans and thus proved the turning piont in the American Ravolutionary War.
 
      General Burgoyne is commanding 6,000 regulars and various auxiliaries. They
pushed down from Canadian June 1777. His plan was to advance to Albany, where he
could then with Barry St. Leger. Gates let  Burgoyne wear down the British army with
costly assaults on patriot lines. Outnumbered and surrounded and unable to secure relief,
Burgoyne surrender on October 17, 1777 at Saratoga, which is today Schulyerville. The
battles at Saratoga marked the turning point in the war.
 
     The British army lost 600 to gates 320 men. The  alliance with  France led to the
joint effort at Yorktown,1781,which produced Cornwallis' surrender paving the way for
the end of  the war in 1783. It was at Concord, Indepence Hall, Trenton, Yorktown, and
Saratoga that this nation was assured its life.

                                                                  Brian Beckwith & Steven Vines