History of North America

In the battle of Saratoga what were they fighting for?

Control over the Hudson River and the support of native allies

The Battle of Saratoga was a significant battle in the American Revolutionary War that took place in 1777 near Saratoga, New York. The main objective of the battle was to gain control over the Hudson River, a crucial waterway that served as a vital transportation route between the northern and southern colonies.

The British forces, led by General John Burgoyne, aimed to capture the Hudson River to divide the American colonies and secure their control over the region. By gaining control of the river, the British would be able to isolate New England from the rest of the colonies and effectively weaken the American resistance.

On the other hand, the American forces, led by Generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold, recognized the strategic importance of the Hudson River and fiercely defended their position to maintain control over it. Additionally, both sides sought to win the support of native allies in the region, as their assistance could significantly influence the outcome of the battle.