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Describe Gen Burgoyne's army and its plan. Why was Burgoyne not successful ?

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Final answer:

General John Burgoyne's army aimed to isolate New England through a three-pronged campaign converging at Albany, but failed due to difficult terrain, lack of Indian support, the defeat of a supply force, other British columns being unable to join, and no reinforcements from General Clinton leading to Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga.

Step-by-step explanation:

Description of General Burgoyne's Army and Its Plan

General John Burgoyne's army, largely composed of British regulars along with some German auxiliaries, numbered around 6,600 men. The plan, which is often referred to as the Saratoga campaign, aimed to isolate New England from the rest of the American colonies by advancing three separate forces which would converge at Albany, New York. One force under Burgoyne's command would move south from Montreal, a second eastern force under St. Leger was to advance from Lake Ontario, and a third column under General Sir Henry Clinton would march north from New York City.



Reasons For Burgoyne's Failure

Burgoyne's campaign did not succeed for several reasons. The terrain proved more challenging than anticipated, which delayed his progress. The Indians who were expected to provide support abandoned him. Further, a force sent from Vermont to bring supplies was defeated by American forces. The other column that was supposed to move down the Hudson River got tied up in engagements with American forces and could not advance. Lastly, General Henry Clinton's force that was supposed to support from New York City was preoccupied with other engagements and never arrived in Saratoga. Consequently, Burgoyne was largely outnumbered, and with dwindling supplies and no hope for reinforcement, he was forced to surrender at Saratoga.

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