The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution

Pivotal Moments in American History

by Kevin J. Weddle

In the late summer and fall of 1777, after two years of indecisive fighting on both sides, the outcome of the American War of Independence hung in the balance. Having successfully expelled the Americans from Canada in 1776, the British were determined to end the rebellion the following year and devised what they believed a war-winning strategy, sending General John Burgoyne south to rout the Americans and take Albany. When British forces captured Fort Ticonderoga with unexpected ease in July of 1777, it looked as if it was a matter of time before they would break the rebellion in the North. Less than three and a half months later, however, a combination of the Continental Army and Militia forces, commanded by Major General Horatio Gates and inspired by the heroics of Benedict Arnold, forced Burgoyne to surrender his entire army. The American victory stunned the world and changed the course of the war.

Kevin J. Weddle offers the most authoritative history of the Battle of Saratoga to date, explaining with verve and clarity why events unfolded the way they did. In the end, British plans were undone by a combination of distance, geography, logistics, and an underestimation of American leadership and fighting ability. Taking Ticonderoga had misled Burgoyne and his army into thinking victory was assured. Saratoga, which began as a British foraging expedition, turned into a rout. The outcome forced the British to rethink their strategy, inflamed public opinion in England against the war, boosted Patriot morale, and, perhaps most critical of all, led directly to the Franco-American alliance. Weddle unravels the web of contingencies and the play of personalities that ultimately led to what one American general called "the Compleat Victory."

Genres: History, American Revolution, Military History, Nonfiction, American History, American Revolutionary War, Audiobook

528 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2021

About the author

Kevin John Weddle is Professor of Military Theory and Strategy at the US Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Urey Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Compleat Victory is a masterpiece of military history – an immersion into the single most important battle of the American Revolution – the battle that altered the very scope of the conflict from a relatively localized colonial rebellion to a world war. Weddle is thoroughly versed in the subject. He explains tactics, the personalities of the major figures and their interactions and conflicts, formulation of strategies and the far reaching consequences of them. Weddle explains terrain features and their effects, weapons, unit movements and environmental factors. He relates the individual battles as if he were there, bringing the reader into the event. It is a superb immersion into a key battle, the precursor events that brought it on and the subsequent consequences and their effects. It is akin to a walking tour of the battlefields... serially, in company with the array of people who were there with an exceptionally proficient professor providing cogent explanations and lucid digressions on the significance of events and details and decisions along the way – all without the actual walking part!

As much as I enjoyed, and applaud, the content, the text suffers from an abundance of errors that effective proof-reading should have corrected. There are missing letters (ex. “the British Amy”). There are missing words (ex. “... lacking higher.”) ‘Authority’, perhaps?? Oddities of punctuation (period at the end of a sentence followed by a colon followed by the next sentence.) Misspellings (ex. “Fellows, finally altered to the danger, escaped and crossed to the river’s east bank.”) Nonsensical wording (ex. “ They took also seized their ‘Camp-Equipage with...’ ”)

Notably, none of these errors are such that computer spell check would catch them... perhaps a clue. In any event, these errors are irritants that pop up too regularly in the text – either the text was not proof-read by a real reader, or the proof-reader was not particularly good. So although I would give the content an unqualified 5-stars, I have to give the book as it is a four-star rating because of the that.

[Grouchy Historian · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, so good. A solid look at the Saratoga Campaign as a true campaign encompassing the entire Northern Theater.
Well written with solid analysis and excellent historiography.
Highly recommended.

[David C Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Military history as studies of strategy never went away despite the historiographical impact of Keegan’s combat oriented Face of Battle. The revolutionary battles don’t get as much attention as those in America’s subsequent wars but they probably should, not least because they also affected European history. This is a very clearly written examination of both sides. It establishes the incoherence of British plans (as well as incredible personal/organizational dysfunction) which focused on occupying space rather than defeating armies. In contrast there was the resilience of American response after the fall of Ticonderoga. The Americans had their own infighting but were able to surmount them not least through the authority of Washington (his dealings with Gates are a model of how to handle an overreaching subordinate.) The maps are very good.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Along with Gettysburg and the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Saratoga was the most consequential victory of America's armed forces. There are a number of wonderful histories of this battle, not the least of which is Richard Ketchum's engrossing account, which I highly recommend. But this book breaks new ground. Written by a West Point graduate, retired Army Officer and Professor of Military Theory & Strategy at the U.S. Army War College, this book provides an immersive analysis of the military strategy, tactics and quality of American and British leadership (what Weddle calls "grip") that determined the monumental outcome of the battles of Ticonderoga, Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights. Very readable, exciting, and steeped in a thorough study of the key battle orders, correspondence and battle planning minutes of the principal combat leaders, this book should not be missed by anyone with an interest in Revolutionary America. Five stars!

[Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent history of the Saratoga Campaign in 1777. This was the campaign by the British that invaded the newly declared independent American Colonies from Canada. The British used the Lake Champlain and Hudson River route from Canada in an attempt to split off the New England Colonies from the rest of America. While it started off fairly well, it ended in total disaster for the Brits. Their entire Northern Army had to surrender to the Americans at Saratoga, N.Y. The ramifications were many with the most important being America’s new alliance with France. After the victory at Saratoga, the French now believed America could win their War of Independence, so they joined the American side. To understand this “Battle at Saratoga” and its far-reaching ramifications, you need to understand the entire campaign, which includes the initial planning of this invasion. First off, the “Battle of Saratoga” was actually two battles. The first was at Freeman’s Farm on September 19, 1777 and the second was know as the Battle of Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777. While Freeman’s Farm was considered at tactical British victory, it was victory with no benefit. The British were in no condition to follow-up that tactical victory. This led to Bemis Heights and the overwhelming American victory leading to the British Army’s surrender. Now, to understand how these two battles came about, the entire campaign is explained including battles at Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Stanwix (aka Fort Schuyler) and Bennington. These battles and their results led to these two armies climactic meeting near Saratoga, N.Y. In addition, you’ll gat a full picture of the people that led each army and how their abilities and personalities significantly led to the ultimate American victory and British defeat. In addition, you’ll learn of the major contributions Benedict Arnold made that helped the Americans to defeat the British in this campaign. This side of Arnold, a tactically proficient combat leader, is not usually featured in American history. In short, Arnold was a good guy before becoming a bad guy later in the war.

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Battle of Saratoga (truly a series of battles fought in the northern reaches of the Hudson Valley) deserves its place of honor as one of the most pivotal battles in all of American history. Kevin Weddie methodically marches the reader through the twists and turns in strategy of the British campaign to invade the Hudson Valley, cut off the New England colonies, and link up with General William Howe's army in New York City to crush General George Washington's fledgling Continental warriors. The campaign is a masterclass... in how not to run military operations. General Johnny Burgoyne, the leader of the expedition, fails to coordinate effectively with General Carleton of Canada and General Howe in New York, allowing Howe the opportunity to neglect Burgoyne's mission entirely and sail for the capture of Philadelphia. Burgoyne, Carleton, Howe, Clinton, and Secretary of State George Germain all work at cross purposes, dooming the British strategy even amidst its initial grand success at capturing the Patriots' Fort Ticonderoga.

American strategy is better, though not by much. The backbiting between Generals Schuyler and Gates nearly leaves the northern reaches of the Hudson Valley deprived of effective leadership at a time of invasion. Gates, though competent and trusted by New Englanders, lacks some of the leadership vision of Washington and the raw energy of General Arnold, at this stage a hero to the American cause.

With Burgoyne's army nabbed, Gates and the American cause can celebrate the first momentous victory for the Continental Army. Burgoyne's cause may have been doomed from the beginning, but it was not destined for the crushing end that Burgoyne swore to bring.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historian Kevin J. Weddle published the book entitled The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution in 2021. The book is part of the Pivotal Moments in American History series. I read the book on my Kindle. The book contains maps. The book also contains a section of notes along with appendices, a section containing notes, a bibliography and an index. Fischer’s book is a very detailed study of the Battles of Saratoga in New York State during the American Revolution in September 1777 and October 1777 for lay people. The book is largely military history. Even though George Washington was not at the Battles of Saratoga, Washington is a major character in Weddle’s book (Weddle xii). This is because Weddle believes that the leadership of American and British forces affects the outcome of both the Battles of Saratoga and the American Revolution (Weddle 2). Weddle believes the leadership of Washington as commander in chief of the American Continental Army led to the victory of American forces in the Battles of Saratoga even though Washington “was more than 200 miles away to the south” (Weddle 4-5). The title of the book comes from a phrase used by Brigadier General John Nixon who at the Battle for the Continental Army used the phrase “the compleat victory” to describe the outcome of the Battles of Saratoga (Weddle 341). I thought Kevin J. Weddle’s book, The Compleat Victory was an interesting book about the importance of the Battles of Saratoga during the American Revolution.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, balanced and well-researched history of the campaign

Weddle argues that the British lost the campaign due to, in large part, an unclear command structure. He also contends that Howe's cooperation was never part of the official plan,and that Howe’s capture of Philadelphia had official sanction. He argues that Burgoyne was always aware of this, and only complained about it after he needed someone else to blame. His coverage of Gates is fairly positive.

The writing is workmanlike but moves along at a good pace. The description of the terrain and conditions is vivid. The coverage of strategy is pretty easy to follow. His description of Britain’s Indian allies and their decisions is pretty solid.

The maps, however, are small and not terribly detailed. When covering Fort Ticonderoga and St. Clair’s decision not to fight there, Weidle is critical of the decisions made, but doesn’t clearly lay out the options available to St. Clair. Some readers may wish for more coverage of the guerrilla warfare involving Indians, patriots and loyalists. Also, Weddle provides solid coverage of commanders, but a less clear picture of their staffs. At one point Britain’s German allies are referred to as “mercenaries.”

A well-written, insightful and readable work.

[Scott Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audiobook) This work looks at the pivotal battle of Saratoga during the American Revolution, discussing the military and personnel actions of the key players involved, from the British and American sides. It tries to dispel some of the myths surrounding the battle, from the mistaken nickname for Horatio Gates (never confirmed that his troops called him "Granny") to the role of Benedict Arnold, whose heroism during the battle was key to spurring the final success. However, that made his ultimate betrayal that much worse. The British, especially the command Burgoyne, do not get a good rap in history, and Weddle notes that, but he does argue that he received little help from his superiors.

Overall, it is a critical moment in American history, but the story of the battle is far more complex and detailed than most realize. This work offers a solid overview and perspective on the fighting and the lessons learned from that battle still have applicable lessons for today.

[Mark Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saratoga was the "compleat" victory, and this is the "compleat" history of the campaign. Magnificent and definitive, with a smooth narrative. Weddle covers everything from macro to micro, from strategy councils in London to first person battle narratives of the combat. You feel like you can completely understand the flow of the campaign, strategically, operationally and tactically. Excellent maps. Especially effective is Weddle's analysis of the many personality conflicts that were central to the events: Gates/Schuyler, Gates/Arnold, Carleton/Germain, Gates/Washington, Clinton/Howe, Carleton/Burgoyne, etc each one is presented impartially. Command lessons are explicated throughout with outstanding cogency. Exceptional military history.

[Craig Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is my first book on the subject of the Saratoga Campaign I am extremely happy with the thoroughness of the book. There were dozens of maps, there were reproductions of paintings of the commanders involved, there were multiple appendices with timelines, footnotes and bibliography. I I will be using this book can be used as a future resource on the campaign.

The author laid out the book in an accessible way, combining passages from diaries and papers as well as after action reports from various commanders. The battles described were brisk and not bogged down my minutiae. The text was also well paced in general.

Certainly a goodread.

[Christopher Cerone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not being a military history buff, I approached this book with some trepidation. Within a few chapters, however, I quickly became engrossed in this vivid account of the pivotal Revolutionary War battles around Saratoga. The author skillfully uses his military expertise to dissect the battles, aided by several helpful maps and a very accessible writing style. The book is more than an account of military maneuvers. It details the key actors, analyzes the various strategic blunders and miscommunications, and encapsulates the historic significance of the American victory. This is well worth the read for any fan of the Revolutionary War period.

[Lancelot Link · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read, so much so that I deliberately slowed down my reading pace so I could savor it. This isn’t just a book telling you what happened. It also explains why it happened and how everything from command structure, communication, terrain, geography, etc. all played a role in the 1777 campaign. Would be a five-star read, but I was surprised by the number of grammatical errors in the book. That is my only beef with it. Still, this is one of the best books I’ve read on the American Revolution in a while.

[Jan M. Lilac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best history of the Battle of Saratoga ( in Stillwater, NY)

This book is the best book of the battle, what came before, and after. Great read to understand how the Battle of Satatoga was the turning point of the Revolution...and eventually put in motion, the factors that led to indepence for the USA.

[David Britten · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there were six stars, I would readily agree this work deserves them. I was fortunate to visit the site of the Battle of Saratoga as I was reading this excellent and detailed work. Combined, they brought that fateful battle to life and opened my eyes to a broader understanding of the entire Revolutionary War.

[Marshall Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well done book on the Saratoga campaign in the American Revolution. The author covers the entire campaign in detail, but also focuses on the role of leadership for the British and the Americans. I gained a new (and better) appreciation of Horatio Gates and a better understanding of the fumbling by the British military and civilian leadership.

[James Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weddle does an excellent job of not only explaining and recounting the actual battle of Saratoga but of providing an account of the historical context. He also done a remarkable job of accessing primary sources such as the letters sent by the various generals. The book was of particular value to me because I regularly ride my bike past the various sites described.

[Dale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book. Well researched and read. Written by a military officer the author does a great job of couching the history in military terms of theory and leadership. I recommend this book for both historians and students of the military art and science of war.

[Jim Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Written by an author schooled in military tactics and history, it presents in very readable fashion, the campaign that culminated in the British defeat at Saratoga.

[C.W.Talmadge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book on the battle of Saratoga. If you are studying the Revolutionary war this is a must read. I cannot wait for his next book. Don't pass this book up.

[Quintillis K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great chronology of the Battle of Saratoga, and the issues surrounding the leadership failures on both sides.

[Nancy]

Not reviewing now as it will be discussed at Book Club. Although I will say that I was pleasantly surprised and learned a great deal!

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good history book about the key battle that changed the course of US history. Dense in parts, sometimes felt like a slog

[Scott Averill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good comprehensive history of the battle of Saratoga