Battle of Bunker and Breed’s Hill June 17, 1775

The Plot Colonial militias from the countryside of Mass come to encircle Boston in the hopes of getting the British out of there. In the middle of the night, the colonists dig trenches on top of B & B Hill on Charlestown Peninsula. British should have gone to the Boston Neck, but reacted and attacked their position. 3 waves of British. First two result in many Brit deaths On 3rd wave, Am run out of ammo & retreat

Key People, Figures, Groups Colonists Ethan Allen (Green Mt. Boys), Benedict Arnold— rebel groups who helped after the battle William Prescott—American Colonel who led 1200 colonists to defend BB Hills; “don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes”—low on ammo, so needed to take careful aim British General Thomas Gage & General Howe 3000 Brit soldiers

Outcomes 1050 Brit deaths, 440 Am deaths— many shot in back during retreat including Dr. Warren GMB snuck into Brit Ft. Ticonderoga in NY & took 50 cannons (no deaths), dragged 10,000 lbs. 200 miles to Boston, pretended to be a barber to get into the fort Ticonderoga cannons set up by winter at Dorchester Heights, aimed at B. Harbor Brit Navy;

Historical Significance/Importance Colonial “moral victory”; shocked that they could beat the most powerful army in the world, boosts confidence; though brits claimed the victory b/c of retreat Brits leave Boston by March & 1000 loyalists go to Canada E. Burke asks Parliament to withdraw troops, Lord North just sends more