General Overview Of The Battle Of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga
Course: History 10A Courtney Haugland
Mountain View High School

Overview of The Battle of Saratoga On October 7th, Burgoyne attacked the Americans at Bemis Heights. Burgoyne was defeated and forced to leave. Ten days later Burgoyne surrendered. The Americans victory convinced the French to enter the war as Americas ally. America’s victory had world changing impacts and gave the U.S. foreign support and ultimately its independence. Over fifty-eight hundred British and Hessian troops surrendered their arms. General John Burgoyne lost eighty-six percent of his men. The British army had five thousand soldiers total. By the time of the surrender the American force was twelve thousand to fourteen thousand militia and troops. During the battle British lost fifteen hundred men total. The Americans

The bayonets used with muskets were good for up close battle. The rifles were mainly effective for long distance shooting. Along with the guns they also had cannons. The cannons ranged from one pound to thirty-six pounds. Cannons were mainly used for destroying walls and injuring soldiers. Both sided wanted to utilize Native Americans. They wanted to do this because of their ability to survive in the wilderness. They were used as a terror weapon and known as savages. The Native Americans also had their own reason for joining the war. One was due to loyalty, to prove themselves, to gain needed items to survive, and improve their living conditions. The men that enlisted were very scared. Some of them were so scared that they would leave after their enlistment was up. Then Congress authorized the implementation of the Continental Army. This was an attempt to solve some of the problems the military was having during this time. It was also a way for them to maintain the number of soldiers in the military.