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The Battle Of Saratog The Major Turning Point Of The American Revolution

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The Battle of Saratoga is considered to be the major turning point of the American Revolution. This battle proved to the world that the fledgling American army was an effective fighting force capable of defeating the highly trained British forces in a major conflict. As a result of this successful battle, the European powers, primarily France, took interest in the insurrection of the Americans and began to support them. In the British Campaign of 1777, Lord George Germain and Major General Burgoyne planned a comprehensive advance of three columns to meet in Albany, New York. Burgoyne would lead the main column, which moved southward along the Hudson River. A second column under General Barry St. Leger would serve as a diversionary attack, moving eastward from Canada along the Mohawk River. General William Howe would direct the third element of the attack. According to the plan, Howe would direct General Henry Clinton to move northward along the Hudson River and link up with Burgoyne in Albany. The goal of this plan was to isolate and destroy the Continental forces of New England, effectively splitting the Colonies along the Hudson River and ending the American Revolution. Initially, the British plan appeared to be working. Burgoyne 's army continually pushed back the Americans southward along the Hudson River with only minor casualties. Burgoyne’s invasion force comprised of 9,000 men, including 4,200 British regulars, 4,000 German mercenaries, 400 Indian warriors, and

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