Why was the victory at Saratoga crucial to the American cause?
Militarily: 1. It prevented the separation of the New England Colonies from the rest, an event which would surely have had long lasting and negative impacts on the Rebel’s efforts. 2. It was the first defeat of a major army by the rebels, one which stung and humiliated the British and at the same time, provided a needed boost in rebel Morale. Diplomaticly: 1. he victory shocked the British and strengthened the friends of the Rebels in the British Parliament. 2. The victory convinced France that the Rebels were in the war for the long haul and were capable of winning, and thus secured the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which was later parlayed into a full blown military alliance. Spain was France’s ally, and although Spain did not directly assist the rebels, they did act in concert with France to threaten British holdings across the world. France, of course, became directly involved in the conflict.
