The Role Of Benedict Arnold In The Battle Of Saratoga

Words: 1208
Pages: 5

The Battles of Saratoga had two parts that were the major shift in the American revolt against King George III and Britain, the Battle of Freemans Farm on September 19th 1777 and the Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7th 1777 that were battled in Saratoga County New York. Major General John Burgoyne presented to the King and Secretary of State for the Colonies Lord George Germain a way he thought would be successful in splitting New England to stop the colonies from joining forces and revolting. (Tucker, 53) The idea Burgoyne had was a three part plan “The major thrust would drive from Canada down the Lake Champlain–Hudson Valley corridor, while a secondary effort pushed eastward from Lake Erie up the Mohawk Valley.”(Tucker, 53) Afterwards …show more content…
The Americans were well rested and prepared for the ambush, resulting in pushing back the forces of the British army. Benedict Arnold rode into battle of the last night pushing to defeat the British; his brave leadership resulted in a major leg wound. If Benedict Arnold had lost his life in this battle he would have been known today as an American war hero (Hamilton, 24). This battle cost the lives of 150 Patriots and 600 British soldiers were either captured, killed, or wounded. Due to this defeat Burgoyne used the cover of the night to retreat his maimed troops north away from the Patriots (Hamilton, 24). Patriotic forces were swarming in from all sides with about 20,000 troops surrounding the British. By this time Burgoyne had no other option but to surrender to General Gates and the Continental army. Due to the surrender it boosted support from France who was widely known as Great Britain’s enemy finally recognizing United States as an independent country (Hamilton, 25). France would soon be sending physical support to the United States consisting of supplies, Frenchmen troops, and weapons. This battle would be a major turning point in the American Revolution with reinforcements arriving and British morale and forces deteriorating.
When the British surrendered to the Americans it was custom for both leaders to have dinner together. “The Fortune of war, General Gates, has made me your prisoner.” said by General John Burgoyne- September 16, 1777(Simon and Schuster, 233). After weapons were confiscated the Burgoyne and his troops started the long 200-mile walk back to Boston, where they would board their ships and sail back to Great Britain (Vierow, 21). Because Lieutenant Major General John Burgoyne surrendered to the patriots he was never given another army to