The Battle of Saratoga is the 1777 Revolutionary War victory widely called a turning point and featured in America250 history programs.
The Saratoga campaign in northern New York ended with British General John Burgoyne’s surrender to American forces led by General Horatio Gates on October 17, 1777. The victory stopped a major British invasion from Canada and strengthened the American cause.
Saratoga’s diplomatic impact was crucial. France, previously cautious about openly aiding the rebellion, judged that the Americans might win and signed treaties of alliance and commerce in 1778. French military and financial support later helped make the victory at Yorktown possible.
The campaign included battles at Freeman’s Farm and Bemis Heights. “Saratoga” can refer to the campaign or to the decisive October fighting, so historians often use the plural “Battles of Saratoga.”