The Battles of Saratoga are widely considered the American Revolutionary War victory that secured French support for the United States.
The Saratoga campaign took place in northern New York in 1777. American forces first checked British advances at the battles of Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights, then forced General John Burgoyne’s army to surrender at Saratoga on October 17.
The victory demonstrated that the American rebellion could defeat a major British field army. France had already been providing covert aid, but Saratoga helped persuade the French government that an open alliance could weaken Britain and improve the chances of American independence.
The resulting Treaty of Alliance was signed in February 1778. Saratoga is sometimes described as one battle, but the term commonly refers to the campaign and its linked engagements, especially the two major battles near Saratoga.