The Declaration of Independence was created and signed by the Continental Congress and declared the thirteen colonies, thirteen states, all part of the United States of America. 56 delegates signed and independence from Great Britain was finally implemented. One of the turning points of the war came in 1777, when the British surrendered Saratoga with over 5,500 soldiers. After General Horatio Gates and General John Burgoyne came into conflict, but the latter realized that supplies were low, they had to surrender. This battle would lead to France joining the war and siding with the Americans, attacks from outside Canada would be ensured, and the isolation of New England would be prevented because of this battle. George Washington earned a huge reputation for his leadership in the war, he was the leading general of the Continental Army who fought in states such as New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. He was the commander of his army, who trusted him with such confidence, putting an end to the fighting of the war after having defeated and surrendered the army of General Charles Cornwallis in the siege of