On the day of June 17th, 1775, one of the most important and well-known battles of the Revolutionary War took place in Boston, Massachusetts over Bunker and Breed’s Hill. The battle was fought over position in Boston, which was “commanded on the north and south by the heights of Charlestown and Dorchester peninsulas.” (Drake, 2008, 9). The American soldiers had minimal experience in war and lacked commanding officers that could effectively lead their regiments. To no surprise, British forces claimed a victory over the Americans at the battle, but not before the American forces dealt them a great deal of casualties. Although the British gained position over Bunker Hill, the Americans were the ones who gained a foothold in the war. In Bunker …show more content…
A leader of the Provincial Forces ([1775] 1999) stated, “The King’s troops began firing at a great distance, being scarce of ammunition deferred our fire. It was impossible to send troops from Roxburgh, because we expected an attack there, or at Dorchester neck.” (1). American troops were forced to stand up in this time of hardship, no matter how minuscule the chance of victory was. With little ammunition and no option to call in reinforcements, they still hit the royal troops with everything they had. “We have lost 104 killed, and 306 wounded; a Lieutenant Colonel and 30 men are prisoners, and we anxiously wait their fate.” This was the reality of war and it was only to be expected for the Americans. However, “The number of the King’s troops killed and wounded are three times our loss.” (Leader of the Provincial Forces, [1775] 1999, 1). Even though the colonists were driven back after running out of ammunition, they went into battle with a drive and determination that far exceeded that of the British’s. George E. Ellis (2008) states, “The battle was fought by the provincials in earnest, with determined spirit, with proud success, though not with temporary victory; and therefore it gave the impulse of a good beginning to the whole conduct of the war.” (9). This came to hold true even though the British gained control over Bunker Hill. After the battle