Which battle is considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War?

The Battle of Saratoga is recognized as the turning point of the Revolutionary War because it significantly shifted the momentum in favor of the American colonies. Fought in 1777, the American victory at Saratoga convinced France to formally ally with the colonies, providing essential military support that would later prove critical to the success of the Revolutionary effort. This alliance brought French troops, naval support, and increased morale among the colonists, ultimately helping to tip the balance against the British forces. The outcome at Saratoga also served as a powerful demonstration of American military capability, encouraging other nations to consider support for the revolutionary cause.

In contrast, battles like Yorktown, Bunker Hill, and Trenton were important but occurred at different stages of the conflict and did not carry the same immediate international significance that the Saratoga victory did. Yorktown marked the end of major combat operations, Trenton was pivotal for morale early in the war, and Bunker Hill demonstrated colonial determination but did not lead to a formal alliance.