Battle of Saratoga
Oct. 17, 1777
The Plot of Saratoga
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Embarrassed by losses to the Americans, the
British look to John Burgoyne to take on the
Americans in the Hudson River Valley of NY. The
plan is to capture control of NE and cut it off from
the rest of the colonies.
British Generals miscommunicate and only one
shows up at Saratoga for the fight.
Burgoyne is surrounded; 10/17/77 he surrenders
6000 men and guns, etc.
Key People and Groups
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John Burgoyne: British General in charge
of the Saratoga campaign
Col. Barry St. Ledger: in charge of other
British forces
General Howe: In charge of third British
force.
Continental Army: 16000 soldiers
Historical Significance/Importance
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When the French get news of the victory, Ben
Franklin, acting as an ambassador, is able to
convince King Louis XVI to sign the Treaty of
Alliance: French help Americans, Americans help
French against the English.
Gives Americans access to a Navy and also guns
and supplies to fight the war against the British.
A large army is captured, severely weakening the
British.
Outcome
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Burgoyne is the only one who shows up at
Albany to fight
After 600 Brit deaths, (only 150 Cont) they
retreat but are surrounded
Burgoyne surrenders 6000 men (including
many generals & members of Parliament),
weapons, etc.
Winter at Valley
Forge
1777-1778
The Plot of Valley Forge
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Valley Forge was a winter training session
for the continental army to prepare for
spring war.
2000 soldiers died of disease lack of
food/clothes
A number (2000) of deserters 1/10
Key People and Groups

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Gen. Washington and the Continental Army
Baron Friedrich von Steuben-trains the
soldiers
The Marquis de Lafayette-French soldier
that became American general at 19
Historical Significance

After VF continental army was more
prepared and disciplined in spite of some
losses
Outcome
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2000-2500 men died
2000 men deserted