The Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga

The Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal moment in the American Revolution.

​Cutting off New England

British Generals

• Gen. Howe from NYC

• Gen. St. Leger from Montreal

• Gen. Burgoyne from Quebec

General Howe decides to head to take over the colonial capital.

Continental Congress flees to York, PA

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Howe goes to Philadelphia

Benedict Arnold defeats St. Leger and the British at Fort Stanwix.

Benedict Arnold continues on with his men to Saratoga.

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St. Leger stopped

British General Burgoyne arrives in Saratoga, NY.

Patriot General Horatio Gates defeats the British

Patriot Benedict Arnold

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General Burgoyne arrives

Battle Overview

• British General Burgoyne fights initially with Patriot General Horatio Gates

• Patriot General Benedict Arnold comes with reinforcements and they surround the British and force them to surrender.

Battle Outcome/importance:
The Turning Point

• The Battle of Saratoga was a crucial turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

• Benjamin Franklin had been in France trying to get make an alliance with them.

• The American victory at Saratoga convinced France to openly support the American cause.

• This support led to a formal alliance and increased military aid.

Multiple Choice

What event is considered a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War?

• The Battle of Saratoga

• The Battle of Yorktown

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The Battle of Lexington and Concord

Multiple Choice

Who was the British commander during the Battle of Saratoga?

• General John Burgoyne

• General Horatio Gates

• Benedict Arnold

• Baron Friedrich von Steuben

Multiple Choice

Who was the Patriot commander during the Battle of Saratoga?

• General John Burgoyne

• General Horatio Gates

• Benedict Arnold

• Baron Friedrich von Steuben

Multiple Choice

What was the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga?

• American forces used a defensive strategy

• British forces attempted to flank the Americans

• American victory boosted morale and convinced France to support the revolution

• The battle took place during the American Revolutionary War

Multiple Choice

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga in the American Revolutionary War?

• It marked the end of the war

• It convinced France to support the American cause

• It led to the formation of the United States

• It resulted in the defeat of the American army

Multiple Choice

Who had been in France also trying to convince the French to open make an alliance with the Patriots?

• John Adams
• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• Benjamin Franklin

Valley Forge

Extreme hardships to improved discipline and effectiveness.

• Prussian officer that didn't speak English.

• Organized the camp

• Trained and drilled soldiers to be disciplined and effective

• Continental Army becomes a more unified force capable of defeating the British

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Baron von Steuben

• Baron von Steuben- Trained and drilled soldiers to be disciplined and effective

• Marquis de Lafayette- French general that supported the Patriots

• Washington- Commanding officer of the Patriots

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Key Figures:

Description of Conditions

• no food, clothing, disease (smallpox)

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Importance:

• despite harsh conditions, turning point for the army, come out a more effective fighting force​

Multiple Choice

Who trained Washington's Army during the winter at Valley Forge?

• Benjamin Franklin
• Baron von Steuben
• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington

Multiple Choice

What was the importance of the training at Valley Forge?

• It weakened the Continental Army's morale.
• It led to the disbandment of the Continental Army.
• It had no impact on the Continental Army's performance.
• It transformed the Continental Army into a disciplined and professional fighting force.