The Battles of Saratoga are widely viewed as the American Revolution’s turning point, a significance remembered in America250 history.
Fought in New York in September and October 1777, Saratoga stopped a major British campaign intended to isolate New England from the other colonies. American forces first forced General John Burgoyne to withdraw and then compelled his army to surrender at Saratoga.
The victory had international consequences. France formally entered the war as an American ally in 1778, providing money, troops, naval support, and military supplies. French assistance later proved especially important at Yorktown.
Saratoga is sometimes confused with Yorktown, the battle that effectively ended major fighting. Yorktown was decisive, but Saratoga was the victory that significantly changed the war’s diplomatic and strategic direction.