Benedict Arnold, anticipating the maneuver, placed significant forces in his way. The first battle, on September 19, began when Burgoyne moved some of his troops in an attempt to flank the entrenched American position on Bemis Heights. This battle also resulted in Spain contributing to the war on the American side. Formal participation by France changed the war to a global conflict. News of Burgoyne's surrender was instrumental in formally bringing France into the war as an American ally, although it had previously given supplies, ammunition and guns, notably the de Valliere cannon, which played an important role in Saratoga. Burgoyne was therefore compelled to retreat, and his army was surrounded by the much larger American force at Saratoga, forcing him to surrender on October 17.

His gains were erased when he again attacked the Americans in the October 7 Battle of Bemis Heights and the Americans captured a portion of the British defenses. He won a small tactical victory over General Horatio Gates and the Continental Army in the September 19 Battle of Freeman's Farm at the cost of significant casualties. Burgoyne's campaign to divide New England from the southern colonies had started well, but slowed due to logistical problems. The battles were fought eighteen days apart on the same ground, 9 miles (14 km) south of Saratoga, New York. The Battles of Saratoga (September 19 and October 7, 1777) conclusively decided the fate of British General John Burgoyne's army in the American War of Independence and are generally regarded as a turning point in the war.

Saratoga by John F. Luzader