Final answer:
The correct answer is option a) October 17, 1777; British General Burgoyne.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Battle of Saratoga, which took place in Saratoga County, New York, lasted from September 19 to October 17, 1777. It involved a strategic attempt by the British, under the command of Major General John Burgoyne, to control New England and sever it from the rest of the colonies. Despite early successes, Burgoyne's campaign ultimately met with disaster. The American forces, led by Major General Horatio Gates and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold, successfully repelled the British invasion, with the British being progressively encircled by American troops.
After facing a larger American force and expecting relief from General Henry Clinton, which never arrived, Burgoyne decided to fortify his position. Unfortunately for the British, the American army continued to grow around them. On October 17, 1777, facing overwhelming odds, scarce supplies, and no prospect of support, the British forces under Burgoyne surrendered, marking a significant American victory.
Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga functioned as a catalyst for international support to the American cause. Notably, it encouraged France to ally with the revolutionaries, altering the course of the Revolutionary War. The outcome of the Battle of Saratoga is therefore seen as a turning point in America's fight for independence. The correct answer to the schoolwork question is a) October 17, 1777; British General Burgoyne.