| The British wanted to take control of the Hudson River Vally to cut off New England from all of the other colonies.General Burgoyne approached New York from Canada. On his way there, the British troops defeated American forces at Fort Ticonderoga. British commander Colonel St. Leger and General Howe also planned to join General Burgoyne in New York. Together they were to attack the American troops. St. Leger's troops ran into Benedict Arnold and his American militia. They were forced to retreat to Canada. General Howe's forces were fighting with Washington at the Battle of Brandywine and then the Battle of Germantown. This kept him from joining Burgoyne.General Burgoyne tried to attack the American armies two times in a row, and was driven back both times. Once again General Gate and his troops at the Battle of Oriskany, and again at the Battle of Bennington. General Burgoyne attacked for the third time at the Battle of Saratoga. This time Burgoyne and his forces were finally defeated. The American army forced him into surrender. This was a major victory and a key turning point in the war. |
