In the U.S.
War of Independence, closely related
engagements in the
fall of
1777 that are often called the
turning point of the
war in
favour of the
Americans. The failure of the American invasion of
Canada in
1775-76 had left a large
surplus of
British troops along the
St. Lawrence River. In 1777 these troops were to move
south and join forces with
General Sir William Howe's troops along the
Hudson River.
The American victory in the Battles of Saratoga helped to induce the French to recognize American independence and to give open military assistance, thus marking a turning point in the uprising and making possible its ultimate success.