He was also running out of food. But he refused to surrender to the Patriots, whom he considered already defeated. Then, on October 7, Burgoyne attacked the Americans. It was a total failure. While Burgoyne lost men to Patriot sharpshooters, General Lincoln’s forces joined that of General Gates’. Even Benedict Arnold, who was confined to his tent after the Battle of Freeman’s Farm because of an argument, charged out and wrecked the British fortifications. Slowly, as darkness fell, Burgoyne managed to bring his troops back to Saratoga, which was besieged by the Patriots. General Burgoyne surrendered to the “already defeated” Americans on October 17, 1777, ten days after his failed attack.
The Patriot’s accomplished much more than forcing General Burgoyne to surrender. They saved the New England colonies, and boosted the morale of the Colonial forces. France, who had been supplying the Patriots with food, now sent soldiers to help. Spain also decided to aid the rebels. When Burgoyne surrendered, the defeat boosted hope and confidence, causing Spain and France to cast their lot with the colonies; and making The Battle of Saratoga to be critical in the Revolutionary