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These dates mark the two Battles of Saratoga during the American Revolutionary War. The First on the 19th and the second on the 7th. The American victory in these battles was a turning point in the war as it convinced France to enter the war as an ally of the American Colonies. They provided crucial military support that would help lead the Americans to independence. These dates separated themselves from the rest as they resulted in what is widely regarded as the battles that allowed America to gain independence and strengthen its new foreign ties.

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The US Congress passed the 19th Amendment on this date granting women the right to vote. This marked a pivotal moment in the women's suffrage movement in the US. The amendment was ratified on August 18, 1920, significantly advancing women's rights and gender equality in the country. This date separates itself from the rest as it was a crucial moment in women's history allowing them the right to vote and furthering the fight for equality.

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This period features the Great Depression, which began with the stock market crash in October 1929 and lasted until the onset of WWII. The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that had profound impacts on global economics, societies, and politics. It led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and significant changes in economic policy and government intervention in many countries. This event separated itself from the rest as it was a decade-long economic crisis that led to immense economic reforms and changes to reshape America's society.

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On this date, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in the case of Miranda v. Arizona. The ruling established Miranda rights, requiring police to inform suspects of their rights to remain silent and to an attorney during interrogations. This decision significantly impacted law enforcement practices and the protection of individuals' rights in the US. This date separates itself from others as the Miranda decision is a key judicial ruling that fundamentally changed police procedures and the rights of individuals in custody.

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On this date, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision on Bush V. Gore, effectively resolving the disputed 2000 presidential election. The court ruled to halt the Florida vote recount, thereby awarding Florida's electoral votes and the Presidency to George W. Bush. This date showcased the court's Judicial power in resolving electoral disputes and processes. This date operates from others as it demonstrated the role of the Supreme Court in the U.S. democratic process.

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https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-19/#:~:text=The%20right%20of%20citizens%20of,this%20article%20by%20appropriate%20legislation.

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/saratoga

https://www.history.com/topics/great-depression/great-depression-history

https://www.oyez.org/cases/1965/759

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_presidential_election

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The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The American defeat of the superior British army lifted patriot morale, furthered the hope for independence, and helped to secure the foreign support needed to win the war.

How it ended

American victory. One of the most decisive American battles of the Revolutionary War, Saratoga ended British general John Burgoyne's attempt to control the Hudson River Valley. The outcome convinced the Court of King Louis XVI that the Americans could hold their own against the British Army, sealing the alliance between America and France. American general Benedict Arnold was hailed as a hero for his bravery on the battlefield, a reputation lost with his later betrayal and defection to the Royalists.

In context

In 1777, British strategy called for a three-pronged attack on New York, with three separate armies converging near Albany. For British general John Burgoyne, moving south from Canada with 7,500 men, the Hudson River Valley became the critical route for the invasion. By August, Burgoyne had captured Fort Ticonderoga, defeated fleeing American troops at Hubbardton (Vermont), and occupied Fort Edward, on the edge of the Hudson River. After a contingent of Burgoyne's troops was defeated in the Battle of Bennington, his reduced forces marched south toward Saratoga in early September.

General Horatio Gates and his American soldiers had built formidable defenses on Bemis Heights, just south of Saratoga overlooking the Hudson. The two armies engaged in combat at Freeman's Farm on September 19. While the British held off the Americans, their losses were great. Burgoyne's battered forces dug trenches and waited for reinforcements, but none came. Burgoyne launched a second, unsuccessful attack on the Americans at Bemis Heights on October 7. With no means of escape, Burgoyne eventually surrendered to Gates on October 17. The victory persuaded France to sign a treaty with the United States against Britain. France's financial and military support contributed to Washington's victory at Yorktown in 1781, which effectively ended America's War for Independence.

Before the Battle

By mid-September, Burgoyne's forces reach the northern outskirts of the small village of Saratoga. General Horatio Gates, commander of the Northern Department of the Continental Army, is ready with 8,500 men. He is supported by Gen. Benedict Arnold and by Col. Daniel Morgan, leader of 500 Virginia riflemen. To disrupt the British advance south, Gates has his troops erect defenses on the crest of Bemis Heights, a series of bluffs from which both the Hudson River and the road can be seen. From there, American artillery will have the range to hit both the river and the road. In order to attack, the British will have to use the road, as the forest and vegetation to the east are too dense to permit effective troop movements.

The Americans also erect a fortified wall a little less than a mile from Bemis Heights. The wall extends about three-quarters of a mile, creating a line shaped like a large "L". Twenty-two cannons are placed behind this defense, providing the Americans with ample artillery cover.

During the Battle

September 19. Burgoyne divides his army, numbering about 7,500, into three columns. He wants to use each column to probe American defenses. Col. Daniel Morgan's light infantry engages with the center column near Freeman's Farm. It is a hotly contested fight, with the field changing hands several times. By evening, the British, reinforced by 500 German Hessians, hold the field, but the action has blunted their forward motion. Having lost almost 600 troops and expecting to be reinforced by Gen. Henry Clinton, coming from New York City, Burgoyne choses to dig in.

Until Clinton relieves them, British forces are literally trapped in the New York wilderness with scant supplies. Food stores dwindle, and the troops are reduced to half-rations. While the British remain stuck, the American army is replenished and grows to 13,000 strong.

October 7. The British are looking for a way out of their predicament. Burgoyne sends a reconnaissance force to attack Americans at Bemis Heights, but the patriots get wind of the plan and force the British to withdraw to their well-defended Balcarres Redoubt. Several hundred yards north is the Breymann Redoubt, defended by only 200 German soldiers and officers. It is no match for the Americans. With Gen. Benedict Arnold riding out in front to rally the troops, the patriots capture the redoubt. Arnold is seriously wounded in the left leg.

Aftermath

On October 8, the British army attempts to escape north, but a cold, hard rain forces them to stop and encamp near the town of Saratoga. Hungry, weary, and out of options, they dig in and prepare to defend themselves, but within two days the Americans have them surrounded. On October 17, after negotiations, Burgoyne's army surrenders.

After the British humiliation at Saratoga, Horatio Gates earns widespread public support and runs a brief clandestine campaign to replace George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. The plot fails, and Washington maintains his post. The British army became prisoners of war. Burgoyne returned to England in the spring of 1778. He is severely criticized for his actions at Saratoga and receives no future commands in the British Army.

Impressed by the Patriots' resistance to Britain, France signs a formal Treaty of Alliance with the Americans and the balance of the war tips in their favor. The Spanish and Dutch later provide support to the Americans as well, hoping to weaken British domination in Europe.

Saratoga: Featured Resources

Related Battles

New York | September 19, 1777

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The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The American defeat of the superior British army lifted patriot morale, furthered the hope...