Today, Canada and the United States are peacefully neighboring states with well-defined boundaries. However, the future course of these countries was determined during the American Revolution. That is, Americans unsuccessfully invaded Canada, thwarted by British arms and “loyalist” colonists. On the other hand, at the Battle of Saratoga, maybe the most decisive battle with the exception of Yorktown, British plans to split the American colonies with New England joining Canada were decisively defeated. Lady Luck or British Incompetence decidedly helped the American cause. After the British defeat at Saratoga, the English confined most of their military objectives to controlling cities—Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston—not the countryside.
The American victory at Saratoga was clearly a major turning point, encouraging the French to provide arms and manpower for the American secessionist cause. Ultimately, Spain, Russia, and Holland recognized American independence.
In 1777, the British Major General John Burgoyne planned a concentric advance of three columns to meet in Albany, New York. He led the main column, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second column under General Barry St. Leger moved from Canada along the Mohawk River. General Howe was expected to direct the third element of the attack, moving northward along the Hudson River in order to link up with Burgoyne in Albany.
Initially, the British under Burgoyne had about 8,000 troops, of which 3000 were German Hessians. In order to slow the British advance, the American General Philip Schuyler detached 1000 men under the leadership of Benedict Arnold to thwart St. Leger’s eastward advance along the Mohawk River. Benedict Arnold not only repelled St. Leger’s advance, but also played an important role in the second Battle of Saratoga. St. Leger was defeated in a heavy skirmish at the Battle of Oriskany, and he effectively withdrew his forces.
The Americans were aided by Fate. Specifically, Lord George Germain, the man responsible for overall British conduct of the war forgot to send a timely order to General Howe instructing him to meet Burgoyne in Albany. By the time Howe received his instructions he had moved south, and thereby was fatally delayed in supporting Burgoyne. Thus, the British force was reduced to one army under Burgoyne for the important mission of splitting-off New England.
Initially, Burgoyne seemed successful. He captured the supposed impregnable Fort Ticonderoga. King George III was so elated over this victory that he shouted, “ I have beat them! I have beaten all the Americans.” Holding the fort became a burden to the British, forcing them to allocate a goodly portion of their army to keep it.
More importantly, the people of New York and New England were aroused by the loss of Ticonderoga and volunteered in great numbers to support the revolutionary cause. All together the American force numbered 20,000 and was well provisioned. On the other hand, the British force continued to dwindle because of the allocation of men to St. Leger and holding Ticonderoga. Moreover, Burgoyne began to suffer from deprivation of provisions. In a classic guerrilla warfare move, Schuyler removed all cattle and provisions from the Hudson valley, felled trees and otherwise obstructed the roads, and destroyed bridges. It took Burgoyne twenty-four days to march twenty-six miles, and he lost many soldiers to American ambush. As his men and supplies dwindled Burgoyne waited in vain for reinforcements from Howe.
The Americans almost grabbed defeat from victory. Despite the brilliance of Schuyler’s moves, General Gates, a relatively inept commander who had strong political ties with the American Congress in Philadelphia, politically outmaneuvered him and was named overall commander. Schuyler was a true patriot and continued to serve under Gates.
On September 19,1777 Burgoyne tried to break out of the American encirclement. Benedict Arnold, who in later years became a British spy, rallied the American troops. Despite no help from Gates, Arnold’s men fought the British to a standoff and foiled their attempted breakout. Arnold even gallantly saved the life of a German soldier whose shooting shattered his left leg. Arnold cried out” For God’s sake, do not hurt him, he is a fine fellow!” On October 12, 1777 5790 British surrendered. They were allowed to stack their own arms and were promised transportation to England on condition that they must not serve again during the war.
After the surrender the American army melted away as rapidly as it had assembled, leaving but a nucleus of regulars. The militia felt that they had not only saved New England, but also assured eventual American independence.
