Who was John Burgoyne and what did he do?
John Burgoyne. General John Burgoyne (24 February 1722 – 4 August 1792) was a British army officer, dramatist and politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1761 to 1792.
What was Lord Burgoyne’s strategy for attacking Albany?
Burgoyne’s plan (under which he would serve as commander) called for a two-pronged attack from Canada against Albany, NY. His strategy included at least some support from General Sir William Howe, who was in charge of the main British army garrisoned in New York City.
What was the result of the Burgoyne Invasion of Boston?
Burgoyne’s invasion, if successful, would separate New England from the Middle and Southern colonies, hopefully weakening any coordinated efforts by the Americans to continue the war. General Howe, who submitted the second strategic plan for 1777 to Germain, wanted to launch attacks from New York against Boston and Albany.
What happened to General Burgoyne on October 3rd 1777?
Instead, on October 3, 1777, General Burgoyne was forced to put his men on rations. Four days later, in desperation, his forces attacked the American fortifications at Bemis Heights and were soundly defeated.
What happened to Burgoyne after the Battle of Saratoga?
With the British losing men and defenses during both engagements, Burgoyne retreated with a weakened army to Saratoga, where he surrendered to General Gates.
Why did John Burgoyne surrender in 1777?
Trapped by superior American forces, with no relief in sight, Burgoyne surrendered his entire army of 6,200 men on 17 October 1777. His surrender, says historian Edmund Morgan, „was a great turning point of the war, because it won for Americans the foreign assistance which was the last element needed for victory“.
What was Burgoyne’s approach to training in the Revolutionary War?
This approach was enshrined in a revolutionary code of conduct he wrote for the regiment. Additionally, Burgoyne encouraged his officers to take time each day to read and encouraged them to learn French as the best military texts were in that language.