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June 17, 1775
The British troops in Boston are surrounded by the colonial militia
which would become the continental army. The British plans to break
out of Boston were found out by the American leaders. The colonials
pushed in towards Boston and in one night, reinforced Breeds Hill.
General Gage knew he must act quickly and he prepares his generals for
an attack on the redoubt on Breeds Hill. The British Generals expected
little resistance from the colonials, expecting them to turn and run
when attacked.
The colonists, however, proved to be more determined and better led
than had been anticipated. The famed order "Do not fire until you see
the whites of their eyes" indicates the directions given by the
colonial leaders to allow the British troops to get close before
firing, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their fire. The
colonists demonstrated great courage in allowing these trained
soldiers to march up close before engaging, and by staying in the
fight until the ammunition began giving out. The Americans fought
hand-to-hand at the end and faced the enemy up close and personal.
The battle was a victory for the British, in that they drove the
colonists back, but the British suffered more than twice the number of
losses. This David versus Goliath story emboldened the colonies in
their struggle for freedom and individual rights. A couple short weeks
later, George Washington assumed control of the military and began the
Revolutionary War in earnest. There was no turning back at that
point.
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