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John BurgoyneBritish military and statesman, Lieutenant General
Date of Birth: 24.02.1772
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- John Burgoyne: British General and Statesman
- Political Career
- American Revolution
- Saratoga Campaign Disaster
- Political Disgrace
- Personal Life
- Death and Legacy
John Burgoyne: British General and Statesman
Early Life and Military CareerJohn Burgoyne was born in 1722 and joined the British Army at a young age. He fought in the Seven Years' War and distinguished himself, leading to his promotion to Brigadier General in 1762.
Political Career
Burgoyne entered politics and was elected to Parliament twice. In 1769, he became Governor of Fort William in Scotland, a position he held until 1774.
American Revolution
In 1775, Burgoyne arrived in Boston and became Deputy Commander-in-Chief of British forces in North America. He participated in the Siege of Boston and the Battle of Bunker Hill. In 1776, he returned to England.
Saratoga Campaign Disaster
In 1777, Burgoyne was appointed commander of British troops in Canada. He led an invasion into New York, but his army suffered heavy losses. At the Battle of Saratoga, Burgoyne's army was surrounded and forced to surrender. The surrender of 6,000 British troops was a major turning point in the American Revolution.
Political Disgrace
Burgoyne's defeat at Saratoga brought him into disrepute in British political and military circles. He spent five years in disgrace before being appointed Commander-in-Chief of British forces in Ireland in 1782. However, he retired from his post in 1784.
Personal Life
Burgoyne married Lady Charlotte Stanley in 1743, but she passed away in 1776. He had four children with his mistress, Susan Caulfeild. One of his sons, John Fox Burgoyne, became a Field Marshal in the British Army.
Death and Legacy
John Burgoyne died in 1792 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Despite his disastrous defeat at Saratoga, Burgoyne was a skilled military strategist and an accomplished writer. He is remembered as one of the key figures in the American Revolution.
