What happened on October 17 - Interesting US History

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A Website Devoted to Interesting Events in U.S. History

ON THIS DAY IN UNITED STATES HISTORY

October 17, 1777

The British are Forced to Surrender to the Americans
After the Battles of Saratoga in the
American Revolutionary War

On this day in 1777, British General John Burgoyne is forced to surrender to the Americans after the Battles of Saratoga. This is generally considered the major turning point in the American Revolutionary War because the momentum prompted France to become more involved on the American side.

During one of the engagements, Benedict Arnold defied orders but played a major part in the victory by anticipating Burgoyne's moves and defending the American flank. Despite his heroic action, Arnold was stripped of his command. This was one of many times Arnold felt unappreciated and it eventually lead him to take sides with the British.

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October 17, 1777

The British are Forced to Surrender to the Americans After the Battles of Saratoga in the American Revolutionary War

The British are Forced to Surrender to the Americans
After the Battles of Saratoga in the
American Revolutionary War