Presentation Name by meyerbro on emaze

On June 17, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the enemy, and the battle provided them with an important confidence boost. Although commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill.

the battle of bunker hill

important people from the battle of bunker hill

William Howe was the commander in chief of the British army at the Battle of Bunker Hill. Leading the British forces, could have easily surrounded the Americans with his ships at sea, but instead he chose to march his troops uphill.

In the battle of bunker hill the weapons that they used were Bayonets, Swords,Sabers, Cannons,

and Muskets

WEAPONS used in the bunker hill battle

information on bunker hill

The British grenadiers, light infantry and battalion company men wore red coats, the headgear of the companies, bearskin fronted mitre caps, tricorne hats and caps, and were armed with muskets and bayonets. The British had light guns and were supported by the heavy guns of the fleet. The Americans were armed with muskets or whatever firearms they could obtain, a few bayonets and some light guns.

photos from the battle of bunker hill

amount of british troops compared to american troops

Their were 2,400 British troops against 1,500 Americans. and their generals were Major General Howe against General Artemas Ward and General Israel Putnam

how the battle started

The battle started after colonists heard of the British army’s plans to attack rebel posts in Roxbury and Cambridge.“General Howe outlined the plan in a letter written on June 12 to his brother, the admiral. First, a detachment would move out against Dorchester neck, throw up two redoubts there, and then attack the rebel post in Roxbury. Once Boston was safe from attack in that direction, Howe would take a large force to Charlestown heights and either attack the Americans in Cambridge or outflank that post, which would accomplish the same purpose. ‘I suppose the rebels will move from Cambridge,’ Howe added confidently, ‘and that we shall take and keep possession of it.’ The attack was set for June 18.”

“The Battle of Bunker Hill” oil painting by Howard Pyle, circa 1897

drummer boy for the battle of bunker hill

“Robert Steele, The Drummer Boy, At The Battle Of, Bunker Hill, June 17th, 1775.“ His grave at Westwood, Massachusetts was decorated on Memorial Day 2006. “Maj. Robert Steele died June 22, 1833, aged 71 years. ~~ Lydia Steele his wife, born April 17, 1782, died Sept. 23, 1858, aged 76 years.” Major Steele did well, going from drummer boy to Major.

The British took Breed's Hill and then captured Bunker Hill. This was a costly battle for the British. They had 226 soldiers killed during the battle and another 828 were wounded,but the patriots retreated.

how many soliders died in the battle of bunker hill

what HAPPENED at the battle of bunker hill

The American forces learned that the British were planning on taking over the hills around Boston in order to gain a tactical advantage. As a result of this information, the Americans secretly moved their troops onto Bunker and Breeds Hill, two unoccupied hills just outside of Boston in Charlestown, Massachusetts. They built up fortifications during the night and prepared for battle. The next day, when the British realized what had happened, the British attacked. Their commander William Howe led three charges up Breeds Hill. The Americans fought back the first two charges, but started to run out of ammunition and had to retreat at the third charge. The British gained the hill, but their costs were great. Around 226 British were killed and 800 wounded while the Americans did not suffer nearly as many casualties.