Abroad, the battles served immeasurably to increase the military prestige of American arms, while at home they greatly strengthened the fighting morale and discouraged loyalist opposition. In their broad aspects the two battles of Saratoga may be considered to mark definitely the turning point of the American Revolution in that the result brought to the cause of the hard-pressed colonists the assistance of France, Spain, and Holland, thereby greatly increasing the probability of eventually winning independence. To a hesitant, vacillating France awaiting the opportune moment to strike a telling blow at the British, Saratoga brought the decision for intervention—a decision which previous diplomatic negotiations had been unable to obtain. The active entrance of France into the war in June 1778, provided the financial, military, and naval support without which the American cause would have been practically hopeless. Though three more years of fighting were necessary in order to bring ultimate victory at Yorktown, Saratoga furnished the physical and psychological impetus which brightened a desperate cause at a moment when failure would have been disastrous. Without the success of American arms at Saratoga, it is difficult to see how the struggle could long have been continued. Writing of the significance of Saratoga, Sir Edward Creasy, the eminent English historian, said: “Nor can any military event be said to have exercised more important influence upon the future fortunes of mankind, than the complete defeat of Burgoyne’s expedition in 1777; a defeat which rescued the revolted colonists from certain subjection; and which, by inducing the Courts of France and Spain to attack England in their behalf, insured the independence of the United States, and the formation of that transatlantic power which not only America, but both Europe and Asia, now see and feel.” [Illustration: American Flag] [Illustration: THE BURGOYNE EXPEDITION CANADA TO SARATOGA, 1777] June 17—Burgoyne leaves St. Johns June 20—Rendezvous of British Army June 21—Conference with the Indians June 25—The British land at Crown Point July 6—Ticonderoga falls July 7—Fraser defeats the Americans July 7—Burgoyne arrives at Skenesboro July 26—The British reach Fort Ann July 30—Burgoyne arrives at Fort Edward Sept. 13—Burgoyne crosses Hudson to Saratoga Aug. 16—Battle of Bennington THE BRITISH PLAN FOR CAMPAIGN OF 1777 WAS TO DIVIDE THE REBELLIOUS AMERICAN COLONIES BY OCCUPYING THE STRATEGIC LINE OF THE HUDSON RIVER AND LAKES GEORGE AND CHAMPLAIN. A BRITISH WEDGE FROM CANADA TO THE ATLANTIC WOULD ENABLE EASY CONQUEST OF AMERICA. THE CENTRAL POINT OF THREE COOPERATING ARMIES WAS ALBANY. BURGOYNE SUGGESTED THAT: 1. SIR WILLIAM HOWE MOVE UP THE HUDSON RIVER FROM NEW YORK. 2. JOHN BURGOYNE MOVE SOUTH FROM CANADA. 3. BARRY ST. LEGER MOVE EAST THROUGH THE MOHAWK VALLEY FROM OSWEGO. LACK OF COORDINATION WRECKED THE BRITISH PLAN.