Which of these was key to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777?
Responses
A defensive positions along a ridge linedefensive positions along a ridge line
B coastal fortifications along New York Harborcoastal fortifications along New York Harbor
C severe flooding forced the British to retreatsevere flooding forced the British to retreat
D the ability to cut off traffic on the Mohawk River
A defensive positions along a ridge line
The key to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was defensive positions along a ridge line.
To determine which factor was key to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, we can analyze the options given and eliminate those that do not align with historical records.
A. Defensive positions along a ridge line: This is a plausible reason, as the American forces under General Horatio Gates occupied strong defensive positions on Bemis Heights, a ridge line that provided advantageous terrain.
B. Coastal fortifications along New York Harbor: This option is incorrect as the Battle of Saratoga did not take place near New York Harbor. The battle occurred in upstate New York, far from the coast.
C. Severe flooding forced the British to retreat: This option is incorrect as there is no substantial historical evidence suggesting that severe flooding played a significant role in the British retreat at Saratoga.
D. The ability to cut off traffic on the Mohawk River: This is a plausible reason as controlling the Mohawk River allowed the Americans to disrupt British supply lines and isolate General John Burgoyne's forces.
Based on this analysis, the most likely key factor to the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga was option D: the ability to cut off traffic on the Mohawk River.