Final answer:
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys was a significant early victory and crucial for the American cause. The subsequent defeat of General Burgoyne at Saratoga raised morale and led to French support, tipping the scales in favor of American independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Developments in the Battle of Ticonderoga
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga by Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys played a crucial role in the American struggle for independence. This early American victory secured a strategic point and captured vital artillery that was later used by General George Washington to force the British evacuation of Boston. The Battle of Ticonderoga showcased the effectiveness of the colonial militias and set the stage for future engagements, including the pivotal Battle of Saratoga.
The eventual defeat of General Burgoyne at Saratoga had monumental consequences. It not only raised American morale but also convinced the French to support the American cause both financially and militarily. This crucial alliance significantly expanded the scope of the conflict and provided much-needed military assistance, turning the tide in favor of the American revolutionaries.
The French aid came in many forms, including gunpowder, money, and naval support. Moreover, the French supplied leaders like the Marquis de Lafayette, whose assistance was invaluable in both a military and symbolic capacity. Such international support was central to the eventual American victory over one of the era's most powerful militaries.