oct 17, 1777 - Battle of Saratoga

Description:

On September 19th, British General John Burgoyne achieved a small, but costly victory over American forces. Though his troop strength had been weakened, Burgoyne again attacked the Americans at Bemis Heights on October 7th, but this time was defeated and forced to retreat. He surrendered ten days later, on October 17, and the American victory convinced the French government to recognize the colonist’s cause and enter the war as their ally.