How Did The Battle Of Saratoga Begin

The Battle of Saratoga, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War, wasn't a single event but a series of engagements fought in the fall of 1777. It's more accurate to view it as the Battles of Saratoga. Understanding how these battles began requires a look at the larger strategic context, the key players involved, and the specific circumstances that led to the initial clash.

The American Revolution was in its infancy. The initial burst of colonial outrage and rebellion had settled into a grinding war of attrition. The British, confident in their superior military might, sought a decisive victory that would cripple the Continental Army and force the colonies back into submission. Their strategy hinged on isolating New England, the perceived hotbed of revolutionary fervor, from the rest of the colonies. This strategy, conceived by General John Burgoyne, involved a three-pronged attack.

The Grand Strategy and Its Flaws

Burgoyne's plan was ambitious. He would lead a force south from Canada, down the Lake Champlain-Hudson River corridor, towards Albany, New York. Simultaneously, a smaller force under Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger would move east from Lake Ontario through the Mohawk Valley, also aiming for Albany. A third force, under General William Howe, was expected to advance north from New York City to meet Burgoyne in Albany. The convergence of these three armies would effectively cut off New England and, the British hoped, end the rebellion.

This plan, however, was riddled with flaws. Communication and coordination between the three forces were weak. Burgoyne vastly underestimated the logistical challenges of traversing the dense American wilderness. Most critically, he misjudged the resolve and resourcefulness of the American colonists.

The Key Players

Before diving into the events that triggered the battles, it's essential to understand the key figures involved:

• General John Burgoyne: A flamboyant and ambitious British officer, Burgoyne was confident in his abilities and the righteousness of his cause. He was known for his elaborate planning and his tendency to underestimate his opponents.
• General Horatio Gates: The American commander at Saratoga, Gates was a seasoned but somewhat cautious officer. He benefited from the work of his subordinates, particularly Benedict Arnold, who played a crucial role in the battles.
• General Benedict Arnold: A brilliant and aggressive American commander, Arnold was instrumental in the American victories at Saratoga. His bravery and tactical acumen were undeniable, although his later betrayal tarnished his legacy.
• General William Howe: The British commander in New York City, Howe made the fateful decision to abandon the plan to meet Burgoyne in Albany. Instead, he chose to attack Philadelphia, the American capital, leaving Burgoyne to fend for himself.

The Initial Engagements: Setting the Stage for Saratoga

Burgoyne's advance initially met with success. He captured Fort Ticonderoga with relative ease in July 1777, sending shockwaves through the American ranks. This victory, however, proved to be a Pyrrhic one. The speed of his advance was hampered by the difficult terrain and the slow-moving baggage train that accompanied his army. He was also running low on supplies.

• The Battle of Oriskany (August 6, 1777): While not directly part of the Saratoga battles, the Battle of Oriskany significantly impacted Burgoyne's campaign. St. Leger's force, advancing through the Mohawk Valley, was ambushed by a force of American militia and allied Oneida Indians. The battle was a bloody and brutal affair, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. Although St. Leger's force technically won the battle, they were severely weakened and demoralized. The staunch resistance they encountered, coupled with rumors of a larger American force approaching, prompted St. Leger to abandon his siege of Fort Stanwix and retreat back to Canada. This effectively eliminated one prong of the British strategy.

• The Battle of Bennington (August 16, 1777): Facing dwindling supplies, Burgoyne dispatched a raiding party of Hessian troops under Lieutenant Colonel Friedrich Baum to Bennington, Vermont, to seize desperately needed horses, cattle, and other provisions. Baum's force was intercepted by a contingent of New England militia led by General John Stark. The resulting Battle of Bennington was a decisive American victory. Baum was killed, and his entire force was either killed, captured, or scattered. This defeat not only deprived Burgoyne of crucial supplies but also boosted American morale and emboldened more militia to join the American ranks.

The First Battle of Saratoga: Freeman's Farm (September 19, 1777)

With St. Leger's force defeated and Howe failing to advance from New York City, Burgoyne found himself increasingly isolated. He pressed on towards Albany, hoping to achieve a quick victory before winter set in. On September 19, 1777, Burgoyne's army encountered a strong American force entrenched near Saratoga, New York. This encounter marked the beginning of the First Battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Freeman's Farm.

The battle began when British troops, led by General Simon Fraser, encountered American skirmishers in a clearing known as Freeman's Farm. The Americans, under the command of Benedict Arnold, launched a series of fierce attacks against the British lines. The fighting was intense and bloody, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. Arnold, known for his aggressive tactics, repeatedly urged General Gates to commit more troops to the battle, but Gates, ever cautious, hesitated.

Despite Arnold's efforts, the British managed to hold their ground. As darkness fell, the fighting subsided, and both sides withdrew. The Battle of Freeman's Farm was technically a tactical victory for the British, as they held the field. However, it came at a high cost. Burgoyne's army suffered heavy casualties, and the battle failed to break the American lines. More importantly, it demonstrated the tenacity and fighting ability of the American soldiers.

The Intervening Weeks: A Period of Waiting and Reinforcement

Following the Battle of Freeman's Farm, both sides dug in and prepared for another engagement. Burgoyne hoped that reinforcements would arrive from New York City, but Howe remained preoccupied with his campaign in Philadelphia. The American army, on the other hand, grew in strength as militia from surrounding states flocked to Saratoga to join the fight. The delay worked to the Americans' advantage, allowing them to fortify their positions and build up their numbers.

The Second Battle of Saratoga: Bemis Heights (October 7, 1777)

The second and decisive Battle of Saratoga, also known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, took place on October 7, 1777. Burgoyne, desperate to break the American lines, launched a reconnaissance in force to probe the American defenses. This reconnaissance was met by a determined American counterattack.

The battle began when British troops, led by General Fraser, encountered American riflemen under the command of Colonel Daniel Morgan. Morgan's sharpshooters inflicted heavy casualties on the British officers, including General Fraser, who was mortally wounded. The death of Fraser, a popular and respected commander, dealt a significant blow to British morale.

Benedict Arnold, despite having been relieved of his command by General Gates following a dispute, played a crucial role in the battle. He rallied the American troops and led a series of daring attacks against the British lines. Arnold's bravery and leadership inspired the American soldiers and helped to break the British defenses.

The fighting was fierce and chaotic, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. However, the Americans, fueled by their growing confidence and Arnold's inspiring leadership, gradually gained the upper hand. By nightfall, the British lines had crumbled, and Burgoyne's army was in retreat.

The Aftermath: Surrender and the Turning Point

Following the Battle of Bemis Heights, Burgoyne's army was surrounded and cut off from supplies. On October 17, 1777, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of over 6,000 men to General Gates. The surrender at Saratoga was a decisive victory for the Americans and a major turning point in the Revolutionary War.

In conclusion, the Battle of Saratoga didn't "begin" with a single event, but rather evolved from a series of strategic decisions, logistical challenges, and ultimately, military engagements. The failure of the British three-pronged strategy, coupled with the American victories at Oriskany and Bennington, set the stage for the climactic battles at Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights. The American triumph at Saratoga not only secured a crucial victory but also convinced France to formally recognize American independence and provide vital military and financial assistance, tipping the balance of power in favor of the American colonies and paving the way for eventual independence.

FAQ

Q: What was the British strategy behind the Saratoga campaign?

A: The British strategy was to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies by launching a three-pronged attack aimed at capturing Albany, New York.

Q: Who were the key commanders on both sides?

A: The key British commanders were General John Burgoyne and Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger. The key American commanders were General Horatio Gates and General Benedict Arnold.

Q: What was the significance of the Battle of Oriskany?

A: The Battle of Oriskany, though not part of the Saratoga battles, weakened St. Leger's force and forced him to abandon his advance, disrupting the British strategy.

Q: What was the outcome of the Battle of Bennington?

A: The Battle of Bennington was a decisive American victory that deprived Burgoyne of much-needed supplies and boosted American morale.

Q: What was the result of the Battle of Saratoga?

A: The Battle of Saratoga resulted in a decisive American victory and the surrender of Burgoyne's entire army.

Q: Why is the Battle of Saratoga considered a turning point in the Revolutionary War?

A: The Battle of Saratoga convinced France to formally recognize American independence and provide crucial military and financial assistance, significantly strengthening the American cause.

Q: What role did Benedict Arnold play in the Battle of Saratoga?

A: Benedict Arnold played a crucial role in both battles of Saratoga, leading daring attacks and inspiring the American troops, despite his later betrayal.

Q: What were the names of the two main battles that make up the Battle of Saratoga?

A: The two main battles were the Battle of Freeman's Farm (September 19, 1777) and the Battle of Bemis Heights (October 7, 1777).

Q: How did the geography of the area contribute to the battle?

A: The dense forests and challenging terrain hindered Burgoyne's advance and allowed the Americans to use guerilla tactics effectively.

Q: What was the impact of General Fraser's death on the British forces?

A: General Fraser's death at the Battle of Bemis Heights significantly demoralized the British forces, as he was a popular and respected commander.

How do you think the outcome of the Battle of Saratoga would have differed if General Howe had followed the original plan and advanced north from New York City? What other "what if" scenarios related to this pivotal battle intrigue you?