Defeat at Saratoga
General John Burgoyne was the Commander-In-Chief of the British forces in Canada. The year was 1777. He had an army of 7,000 men ready to invade the province of New York. His army was made up of British and German regulars, Canadians and Indians. General Burgoyne and his officers were so confident of victory that the wives of many officers traveled with them. They were looking forward to a pleasant voyage to New York.
The plan was to march southward out of Canada to join forces with General Howe on the Hudson River at Albany, New York. The British wanted to cut off the northern New England colonies from those in the mid-Atlantic and south. The intent was to end the war with a quick, decisive defeat of the American forces.
Burgoyne began his campaign with a major success — capturing Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Independence and confiscating large amounts of food, military supplies, and 200 pieces of artillery. This defeat shocked the American Congress and the whole of the colonies.
Burgoyne and his army continued towards Saratoga, New York, but their march was impeded by constant harassment. American forces seriously delayed the progress of the British army by destroying bridges and chopping down trees over the few available roads. Burgoyne's men were beginning to weaken due to his overly extended line of supply extending all the way back to his base in Canada. This situation prompted Burgoyne to send part of his army to Bennington, Vermont to scavenge for horses, cattle, wagons, and other supplies. The defeat of this wing of his army at the Battle of Bennington was the beginning of the end for General Burgoyne.
The Battle of Saratoga, as it has become known, began on September 19, 1777. Saratoga was actually two battles — the engagement of September 19 is generally referred to by historians as Freeman's Farm. The British lost two men for every one American casualty. In terms of ground gained, both sides fought to a draw.
During the second climactic battle known as Bemis Heights on October 7, Burgoyne made his final attempt to beat the American forces under General Horatio Gates. With 1,500 men and artillery he tried to break through the American line to join with British reinforcements under General Clinton marching up the Hudson. General Burgoyne's attack failed at the same time General Clinton's reinforcements were stopped 50 miles away due to lack of supplies.
After protracted negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on October 17, 1777. Britain's loss at Saratoga proved disastrous. It signaled European powers that the rebels were capable of defeating the English on their own. When news of the American victory reached Europe, France entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, providing Washington's Continental Army with the support necessary to continue its fight against Great Britain. Burgoyne returned to England in disgrace, and was never given another command.