The Battle of Saratoga persuaded France to formally ally with the United States during the Revolutionary War.
The Battles of Saratoga were fought in northern New York in 1777. American forces first stopped General John Burgoyne’s British army at Freeman’s Farm and later forced its surrender at Bemis Heights.
The American victory demonstrated that the rebellion could defeat a major British field army. France had already been providing limited covert assistance, but Saratoga convinced the French government that an American alliance offered a realistic opportunity to weaken Britain.
France and the United States signed the Treaty of Alliance in February 1778. French military, financial, and naval support became crucial, particularly during the Yorktown campaign. The victory also helped prevent Britain from isolating New England from the other colonies.