King George: What Was His Problem?

In 1777, British General John Burgoyne, with King George’s endorsement, aimed to divide America by attacking New York from both the north and south, isolating New England. Despite Washington’s knowledge of the plan, his hands were tied by British troops in New York City and concerns over a potential attack on Philadelphia, necessitating him to keep his army nearby. Thus, Washington entrusted the defense against Burgoyne to General Benedict Arnold and the northern forces. Meanwhile, under the pretense of a picnic near the Delaware River with his grandsons, Benjamin Franklin covertly left America for France. Leveraging his influence in France, he sought French support for the American revolutionary cause. He enjoyed immense popularity in France and successfully persuaded the French to support the American cause.

In July, Burgoyne accomplished the initial phase of his plan by recapturing Fort Ticonderoga. Yet, his demands for luxuries and American sabotage of bridges slowed his advance to a mile a day. General Howe, originally meant to lead a southern attack on New York in coordination with Burgoyne, opted instead to capture Philadelphia, a decision that undermined Burgoyne’s strategy.

In September 1777, Arnold and the Americans fortified their position in Saratoga, with the help of a Polish engineer, Kos, who joined the American fight.