British General John Burgoyne implemented a divide and conquer strategy to separate the colonies at Albany. He wants to use each column to probe American defenses. The American victory in the Battles of Saratoga helped persuade the French to recognize American independence and to openly provide military assistance. The Redcoats had planned a divide-and-conquer attack against the Americans in upstate New York. Burgoynes battered forces dug trenches and waited for reinforcements, but none came. Alabama Sons of the American Revolution.The Battle of Saratoga. 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. This time, the American forces held against the British assault and were able to counterattack to regain any lost ground. These crucial colonist victories at the Battle of Saratoga persuaded the French to support the Americans with military aid, and is considered the major turning point in the American Revolution. The first battle of Saratoga, the Battle of Freeman's Farm, took place on September 19, 1777. They also hoped to discourage potential American allies such as France from joining the fight. On September 21 Burgoyne received notice from Gen. Sir Henry Clinton, who had been left in command of British forces at New York, that Clinton was about to launch an attack up the Hudson Valley. The Battle of Saratoga occurred in September and October, 1777, during the second year of the American Revolution. 7. They continued to move towards Albany where they would meet with General Burgoyne and take control of the Hudson River. They were able to secure an advantage at Freeman's Farm, but at Bemis Heights they then were routed and effectively lost the battle. After facing defeat in early battles of the war, the Patriots were in need of a victory. 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. Read about what happened at the Battle of Saratoga, its significance, and why it occurred. Although the British held the field at the end of the battle, the Patriots wounded or killed twice as many enemy soldiers as their opponents. The entrance of France into the war, along with its financial and military support, in particular its navy, was in the end crucial to Washingtons victory at the Battle of Yorktownin October 1781, which effectively ended the war.3 But the French were not alone in supporting the Americans following the Battle of Saratoga. 22 Terms. 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. Fact #1: Britains military strategy in the north for 1777 involved a multi-pronged offensive to cut the northern states off from the rest of the colonies. After Saratoga - Saratoga National Historical Park (U.S. National Park