The Surrender That Changed the Revolution

On October 17, 1777, a British army surrendered near Saratoga, New York. The American Revolution was far from over, but this victory gave the Americans something they badly needed: proof that they could defeat a major British army. That proof helped change the course of the war.

A plan to divide the colonies

In 1777, British General John Burgoyne led an army south from Canada toward Albany, New York. British leaders hoped to gain control of the Hudson River route and separate New England from the other colonies. They expected British forces advancing from different directions to help accomplish the plan.

But the campaign did not go as the British expected. One British force moving east toward Albany turned back after meeting resistance at Fort Stanwix. Meanwhile, General William Howe took his army toward Philadelphia instead of moving north to meet Burgoyne. Burgoyne’s army continued south without the help it had expected.

The journey was difficult. American forces blocked roads, and the British needed horses and wagons to carry their supplies. In August, troops sent to gather supplies were defeated near Bennington. The loss cost Burgoyne soldiers as well as supplies his army needed.

Two battles near Saratoga