Episode 071: Bruce M. Venter, Saratoga and Hubbardton, 1777

by Liz CovartMarch 1, 2016

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Historians refer to the Battle of Saratoga as the “turning point” of the American Revolution.

They argue the Patriot Army’s defeat of British General John Burgoyne’s forces convinced the French to enter the War for Independence. Together, French and American forces cornered Charles, Earl Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781 and ended the war.

This is the quick version of Saratoga, but as we know, history is more complicated.

Today, we explore the Saratoga Campaign of 1777 in more depth with Bruce M. Venter, author of The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America.

About the Show

Ben Franklin’s World is a podcast about early American history.

It is a show for people who love history and for those who want to know more about the historical people and events that have impacted and shaped our present-day world.

Each episode features a conversation with a historian who helps us shed light on important people and events in early American history.

Episode Summary

In this episode, Bruce M. Venter, author of The Battle of Hubbardton: The Rear Guard Action that Saved America, leads us on an exploration of the Saratoga Campaign of 1777.

During our investigation, Bruce reveals the state of the American War for Independence in 1777; British General John Burgoyne’s plans for capturing the Lake Champlain-Hudson corridor; And, the important role the Battle of Hubbardton played in the Patriots’ victory at the Battle of Saratoga.

What You’ll Discover

America’s History, LLC
State of the American War for Independence in July 1777
Why the British Army wanted to control the Hudson River
British General John Burgoyne’s plan of attack
Geography of the Lake Champlain-Hudson River corridor
Patriot goals and strategy for the Saratoga campaign
Fort Ticonderoga and the British capture of Canada
General John Burgoyne’s Army
British-allied German soldiers and Native American warriors
The Patriot position at Fort Ticonderoga
The Patriot retreat from Fort Ticonderoga
Colonel Ebenezer Francis
Colonel Seth Warner
The rear guard force that protected the retreating Patriot army
The British force that pursued the retreating Patriots
The Battle of Hubbardton
The importance of the Battle of Hubbardton to the Saratoga Campaign

Plan of Huberton Action — Battle Plan for Hubbardton, July 1777

Links to People, Places, and Publications

Time Warp Question

Is there any way that the Americans could have defeated the British at the Battle of Hubbardton and if so, how would their victory have changed the course of the American War for Independence?