Saratoga

Explain the 1777 turning point, the rugged land, Benedict Arnold's part and later betrayal, and French help.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 23

In 1777, British General John Burgoyne had a plan. His army would march south from Canada along the Hudson River and cut New England off from the other colonies.
The British planned to use the Hudson Valley as a highway. But thick woods and swamps slowed them, and Americans cut down trees across the road. Burgoyne's supply wagons fell far behind.
Americans dug in on high ground called Bemis Heights, where they could watch the road and the river. In two big battles, they stopped the British. General Benedict Arnold fought bravely there.
Burgoyne surrendered in October 1777. It was the turning point. France, hearing the news, agreed to fight on the American side.
As for Arnold, he felt unfairly treated and was short of money. In 1780 he tried to hand the fort at West Point to the British, then joined them. His name still means traitor.

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS4H1.c — Describe the major events of the American Revolution and explain the factors leading to American victory and British defeat; include the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.
SS4H1.b — Describe the influence of key individuals and groups during the American Revolution: King George III, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Patrick Henry, John Adams, Paul Revere, and Black regiments.
SS4G2.a — Explain how each force (American and British) attempted to use the physical geography of each battle site (Lexington and Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown) to its benefit.