Battle Of Saratoga

Battle of Saratoga

During the time of the American Revolution, there were many battles that took place and affected the Revolution. One battle though, made a huge impact on the American Revolution. The Battle of Saratoga proved that the disadvantaged and weaker American forces were strong enough to overpower the British forces. It all started when General John Burgoyne needed to get his forces to Albany. He and his army headed across the Hudson River, where they would then take a road south-ward to Albany. Burgoyne knew the enemy (American forces) were in the area, but he did not know of their exact location. Leading to the Battles of Bemis Heights and Freeman's Farm, the Battle of Saratoga became known as a highly significant battle of the American Revolution. These battles were a necessity to the victory of the Revolution for the Americans.

The Battles of Bemis Heights and Freeman's Farm were very necessary because they really helped out the American's chances of winning more battles that would take place later. As General Burgoyne was leading his forces to Albany, he ran into the American forces at Bemis Heights (where they also fought after the battle of freeman's farm). The American forces needed to do anything they could to get rid of as many British forces as possible.

The Battles that took place had huge turning points for both side because the number of people that were killed and the amount of ammunition that was used affected later battles of the Revolution. In the Battle of Bemis Heights, Burgoyne had his army retreat northward for the town of Saratoga (silently in the night), having to leave the sick and injured behind, and the dead unburied. This proved how these battles affected the decisions of the fighting forces, some being sick and cruel, while others being intelligent and applicable.

The Battle of Freeman's Farm (taking place on September 19, 1777) was a very significant battle for the British and the Americans. The British were surprised at Bemis Heights, where the British suffered about 500 casualties while the Americans sustained about 280.The battle was taking place on Freeman's Farm. Freeman was a Loyalist who had earlier left for Canada. After about three hours of battle, the Americans ran out of ammunition, making them have to retreat. The British then claimed victory at Freeman's Farm.

Freeman's Farm was located on the west side bank of the Hudson River. It was right near Bemis Heights, making it easy for people to build fortifications in the woods and high outcroppings. It was located a few miles away from Burgoyne's destination of Albany. It was a perfect location for an army to fight and keep themselves in somewhat of an alright sanctuary.

During the Battle, both sides used different tactics and strategies. Burgoyne decided to go with a risky strategy of dividing his army into three columns, two towards Bemis Heights and one to follow the road that paralleled the Hudson. The American forces (led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold) placed expert riflemen (led by Daniel Morgan) in charge of taking out the left flank of the British (led by Simon Frasier). This strategy worked well for the Americans, of course until they ran out of ammunition.

The battle (of Freeman's Farm) was officially ended when Burgoyne heard word from Sir Henry Clinton. Clinton was getting ready to leave New York City and come assist Burgoyne with the continuous battles. So, he told Burgoyne to hold back and wait for him to get there before he attacked the Americans again. Burgoyne gave up his plan for attack on September 20th, and told his troops to wait until reinforcements arrived.

Following the Battle at Freeman's Farm, was the Battle of Bemis Heights. Bemis Heights was another big marking point during the American Revolution, also having big turning points for each force. The Battle of Bemis Heights was the most significant battle of the Saratoga campaign because it was the battle that caused Burgoyne's surrender to the American forces.

Bemis Heights was also located on the west bank of the Hudson River about 10 miles from Saratoga. The riverbanks went upward; forming bluffs about 100-300 feet high. Bemis Heights was also surrounded by woods, making it harder for the British forces to take out the Americans.

Burgoyne led about 1,500 men to fight off the militia at