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Each week at In The Past Lane, the American history podcast, host and Historian-at-Large, Edward T. O’Donnell, brings you news, stories, interviews, and special features on all things U.S. history. His aim is to be both engaging and thought-provoking, inspired by the notion that history explains the world we live in and provides insights into how to achieve a more prosperous, peaceful, and just future. So come along with us as we journey In The Past Lane. www.InThePastLane.com  www.EdwardTODonnell.com  

Oct 10, 2017

This week marks the 240th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga,

So I’ll speak with Dean Snow, author of a new book titled, 1777: Tipping Point at Saratoga. It’ll give you a new appreciation of how this often overlooked battle was in many ways, the decisive moment in the American Revolution. It led the many British military leaders to argue that they could not win this war because the American colonies constituted too large a geographic area, and because American soldiers in the Continental Army were the equal of British regulars. Even more important, the victory convinced France and other European powers to back the American Revolution with troops, supplies, and money.

Among the many things discussed in this episode: 

How a brilliant British military plan on paper turned into a disaster on the battlefield at Saratoga.

How Benedict Arnold, before turning traitor, was a hero at the Battle of Saratoga.

Why the Saratoga battlefield deserves the same recognition as Gettysburg.

How Gen. Horatio Gates managed to surround and defeat Gen. John Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777.

Why the 1777 Battle of Saratoga proved to be the turning point of the American Revolution.

Why the significance of many pivotal battles in history is primarily political and not military.

About Dean Snow – website

Further Reading

Dean Snow, 1777: Tipping Point at Saratoga (Oxford, 2016). 

Richard M. Ketchum, Saratoga: Turning Point of America's Revolutionary War (1997)

Robert Middlekauff, The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789 (2005)

Nathaniel Philbrick, Valiant Ambition: George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution (2016)

Maps to accompany Dean Snow’s book, 1777: Tipping Point at Saratoga (Oxford, 2016) - click here 

Music for This Episode

Jay Graham, ITPL Intro (JayGMusic.com)

Kevin McCleod, “Impact Moderato” (Free Music Archive)

Ketsa, “Escape the Profane” (Free Music Archive)

Blue Dot Sessions, “Pat Dog” (Free Music Archive)

Jon Luc Hefferman “Winter Trek” (Free Music Archive)

The Bell, “I Am History” (Free Music Archive)

Production Credits

Executive Producer: Lulu Spencer

Technical Advisors: Holly Hunt and Jesse Anderson

Podcasting Consultant: Darrell Darnell of Pro Podcast Solutions

Photographer: John Buckingham

Graphic Designer: Maggie Cellucci

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© Snoring Beagle International, 2017