The Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga is accounted one of the "decisive battles" of the world's history, because the victory of the American Army under Gen. Gates, over the British army under Gen. Burgoyne, Oct. 7, 1777, was without doubt the great turning-point in the war for Independence; and this battle, perhaps, more than any other of the Revolution, decided the fate of this great nation.

Hitherto, the result of the war had seemed doubtful, inclining rather in favor of the English; now it became clear that the success of the American cause was merely a matter of time. The victory secured the recognition of foreign nations--France, Spain and Holland no longer hesitated to acknowledge the independence of the United States of America. The alliance of France, by a treaty signed Feb., 1778, gave to the Americans the one thing they needed--a fleet. The rest of the story is well known. On the 3d. of Sept., 1783, the United States of America became an independent nation. Sir Creasy adds:

"Nor can any military event be said to have exercised more important influence on the future fortunes of mankind, than the complete defeat of Burgoyne's expedition in 1777; a defeat which rescued the revolted colonists from certain subjection, and which by inducing the courts of France and Spain to attack England in their behalf, insured the independence of the United States, and the formation of that trans-Atlantic power which not only America, but both Europe and Asia now see and feel." ****

"God bless our Native Land."