John Burgoyne
John Burgoyne was a British Army officer who entered military service in 1740 and gained experience during the Seven Years' War. His military career continued during the American Revolution, where he played a significant role in the 1777 campaign. Burgoyne devised a plan aimed at separating New England from the southern colonies, leading his Northern Army south from Canada. His forces initially succeeded in capturing Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point but ultimately encountered setbacks when other British forces failed to rendezvous with him. This culminated in his defeat at the Battle of Bemis Heights, followed by a forced surrender to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga on October 17, 1777. This surrender marked a pivotal moment in the American Revolution, prompting France to ally with the American colonists. After returning to England, Burgoyne faced scrutiny for his defeat but subsequently transitioned into a career as a playwright and served in Parliament. His legacy is intertwined with both his military endeavors and his contributions to British drama.
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John Burgoyne
Armed Forces Personnel
- Born: 1722
- Birthplace: Sutton, Surrey, England
- Died: June 4, 1792
- Place of death: London, England
Also known as: Gentleman Johnny
Born: 1722; Sutton, England
Died: June 4, 1792; London, England
Principal wars: Seven Years’ War, American Revolution
Principal battle: Saratoga (1777)
Military significance: Burgoyne is best known for surrendering British troops to Americans at the Battle of Saratoga.
John Burgoyne entered the British military in 1740. He served in France and Portugal during the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763) and was involved in the capture of Valencia de Alcantara. During the American Revolution (1775–1783), he served in Boston under General Thomas Gage and then in Canada during 1776. General Burgoyne’s three-pronged plan of attack to separate New England from the southern colonies was implemented in 1777. The plan’s success hinged on two armies joining with Burgoyne’s after moving victoriously across America. Burgoyne’s Northern Army advanced southward from Canada through the Hudson River Valley, capturing Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point along the way. When British forces moving northward from New York and east from Oswego failed to meet him according to plan, he was defeated at Bemis Heights and retreated to Saratoga. Burgoyne was surrounded by American troops under Horatio Gates and forced to surrender Saratoga ten days later on October 17, 1777. His defeat at Saratoga is generally considered the turning point of the American Revolution. Encouraged by the colonial victory at Saratoga, France allied itself with the Americans to defeat the British. Burgoyne returned to England to defend himself against criticism arising from the Saratoga defeat. He served in Parliament and began a career as a popular playwright.
Bibliography
Ketchum, Richard M. Saratoga: Turning Point of the American Revolutionary War. New York: H. Holt, 1997.
Lunt, James D. John Burgoyne of Saratoga. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Jovanovich, 1975.
Mintz, Max M. The Generals of Saratoga: John Burgoyne and Horatio Gates. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1990.