Horatio Gates was a prominent American general during the American Revolutionary War. Born in England in 1727, he moved to the American colonies and became involved in military service. Gates is best known for his leadership at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, which was a turning point in the war and helped secure French support for the American cause. Despite his early successes, Gates faced criticism later in the war, particularly for his defeat at the Battle of Camden in 1780. After the war, he served in various political roles, including as a member of the Continental Congress, before passing away in 1806.