Today marks the anniversary of the opening shots in the Battle of Bunker Hill. The battle, waged in June of 1775, was actually fought on Breed's Hill. Yet generations of Americans have known it as "the Battle of Bunker Hill."
The Battle of Bunker Hill is perhaps most famous for Colonel William Prescott's order: "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." But why was the battle fought in the first place?
Why Was The Battle of Bunker Hill Fought?
The Battle of Bunker Hill (or Breed's Hill) was a natural extension of the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought in April 1775.
With the "Intolerable Acts" (the British response to the Boston Tea Party) the British had occupied Boston and declared martial law throughout much of New England.
Concerned with growing unrest in the countryside, British General Thomas Gage, the military governor in Boston, dispatched troops in April 1775 to Concord to seize munitions being stockpiled by the colonial militia. While en route, British soldiers clashed with colonists at Lexington and then fought a pitched battle with even more colonial militia at Concord.
Following the battles of Lexington and Concord, the British withdrew (under heavy fire) to Boston. While in Boston, the British went through a command change (Gage was sacked), and contemplated their next move.
While in Boston, the British were sloppily (but still effectively) besieged by angry, armed colonists. When those colonists began fortifying Breed's Hill, on the Charlestown Peninsular, the British had to act.
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Believing that a decisive, straight-on show of force would break the spirit of rebellion, the British launched a frontal attack against the rebel militia entrenched on Breed's Hill.
The first two assaults were disastrous for the British, but the Americans ran out of powder and musket balls. Colonel Prescott ordered a retreat, as the British stormed the hill on their third assault.
From a battlefield standpoint, it was a British victory. At the end of the battle, the British held the ground. But it was a costly battle for the British. They suffered over a thousand casualties (226 dead and 828 wounded).
British General Clinton wrote in his diary: "A few more such victories would have shortly put an end to British dominion in America."
Interestingly enough, General Clinton's prediction was close to the truth. In the course of the American Revolution, the British would win most of the battles. But they would never break the resolve of the colonists. Ultimately, the Americans would have their independence.
For more on the Battle of Bunker Hill, read "The Decisive Day is Come," courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Posts
8 comments:
great to read bout the revolution..
thanks for sharing information with us..
___________________
Jessica
the best price for best entertainment
Thata excellent photo copy thanks...
___________________
Susana
No Credit Checks instant Payday Loans
That was very good
Has helped me alot!!! Thanks for sharing because sharing is caring!!!!
:) :) :)
Warfare is a fascinating subject. Despite the dubious morality of using violence to achieve personal or political aims. It remains that conflict has been used to do just that throughout recorded history.
Your article is very well done, a good read.
helped me a lot with my school project. thanks!
thx for this info it was really helpful for my assignment ill be sure to tell everyone I know to get into this site because you guys r life savors thx again XOXO:)
Little known facts about it:
Misnamed Battle: The battle is commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, but most of the fighting actually took place on nearby Breed's Hill. The misnaming likely occurred because Bunker Hill was better known and more significant strategically.
Lack of Ammunition: The famous order given to the American troops by Colonel William Prescott was "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" This order was partly due to the Americans' shortage of ammunition, and they needed to make each shot count.
Redoubt Construction: During the night preceding the battle, the Americans constructed a redoubt (a small fortification) atop Breed's Hill. This defensive structure played a crucial role in the battle's early stages.
British Charge: The British troops, under General William Howe, launched a frontal assault on the American positions. Despite heavy casualties, the Americans inflicted significant losses on the British during this charge.
Major Pitcairn's Death: Major John Pitcairn, a British Marine officer known for leading the charge at Lexington and Concord, was mortally wounded during the Battle of Bunker Hill. His death had a demoralizing effect on the British forces.
African American Participation: Peter Salem, an African American soldier, distinguished himself during the battle by shooting and killing British Major John Pitcairn. Salem's bravery and skill were notable during the fighting.
French Connection: The Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat who would later become a key figure in the American Revolution, was present at the Battle of Bunker Hill as an observer. His experiences there influenced his decision to support the American cause.
Strategic Outcome: Although the British technically won the battle by capturing the American positions, they suffered significant casualties. This led General Howe to adopt a more cautious strategy in future engagements, realizing the high cost of direct assaults on well-entrenched American forces.
Post a Comment