In 1777, following a defeat at the second Battle of Saratoga, British General John Burgoyne surrendered to American General Horatio Gates.

In 1777, Major General John Burgoyne, lead an army south from Canada to Albany, New York. By occupying Albany and controlling the Hudson River, the British intended to cut off New England from the other colonies and force an end to the American rebellion. Burgoyne left Montréal with about 9000 British and Hessian troops and a number of Native American allies.

In July he took Fort Ticonderoga without a struggle. However, 2000 inexperienced New Hampshire and Vermont militiamen defeated a detachment of troops sent by Burgoyne to seize American supplies at Bennington, Vermont. Burgoyne moved his now-reduced army across the Hudson. On September 13, he began to march south toward Albany, but found his way blocked by some 7000 Americans under Major General Horatio Gates, who had taken up an entrenched position at Bemis Heights, a few miles south of Saratoga.

His initial strategy was defensive, counting on Burgoyne to attack recklessly and deplete his men and supplies. On the 19th, the British attacked. At the urging of Major General Benedict Arnold, Gates sent a sortie to meet them. A furious but indecisive battle was fought at Freeman's Farm, known as the First Battle of Saratoga.

Ever cautious, Gates failed to reinforce Arnold; the Americans withdrew to Bemis Heights. Although lacking reinforcements and commanding fewer than 5000 men, Burgoyne refused to retreat.

On October 7 his army moved forward again in search of the American position, leading to the Battle of Bemis Heights. Gates's well-disciplined forces, inspired by a fearless Arnold, drove the British back to their camp with heavy losses. Burgoyne then withdrew to Saratoga, where, surrounded by the American army which now numbered up to 17,000, he surrendered.