Summary of Battle of Bunker Hill

The legendary battle that changed the course of American history.

How Do You Learn Best?

Note: You can explore any or all of these paths in any order you prefer!

Audio Library

As one of our featured lessons, this topic includes premium audio guides.

🔒

Unlock the Audio Summary

This free audio lesson is available exclusively for Logged in Memory Wizards members. Please sign up for a free account or log in to access this content.

Sign Up Log In
🔒

Unlock the Wizard's Cram Session

This powerful audio study guide is a Pro-exclusive feature. Upgrade to Memory Wizards Pro to access this and all of our premium learning tools.

Upgrade to Pro

Battle of Bunker Hill in 10 Minutes

Introduction

Introduction

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was a pivotal moment in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. Despite its name, the majority of the battle actually took place on nearby Breed's Hill. The clash between American colonial forces and the British Army was a fierce and bloody confrontation that had lasting implications for the war.

Although the American forces ultimately retreated from the battlefield, the Battle of Bunker Hill demonstrated the determination and courage of the colonial soldiers. The British suffered heavy casualties in their victory, leading many to question whether the cost of defeating the colonists was worth it. The battle also highlighted the strategic importance of controlling high ground in military engagements.

While the American colonists did not emerge victorious at Bunker Hill, the battle served as a rallying cry for the cause of independence. The courage and resilience displayed by the colonial forces inspired others to join the fight against British rule. The Battle of Bunker Hill remains a significant event in American history, symbolizing the spirit of defiance that would ultimately lead to the birth of a new nation.

Colonel William Prescott

Colonel William Prescott

Colonel William Prescott was a commander of the colonial forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He led his troops in constructing defensive fortifications on Breed's Hill, where the majority of the battle took place.

Major General Israel Putnam

Major General Israel Putnam

Major General Israel Putnam was a key leader in the colonial forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He played a crucial role in organizing the troops and coordinating the defense against the British forces.

General Thomas Gage

General Thomas Gage

General Thomas Gage was the commander of the British forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He led the assault on the colonial fortifications on Breed's Hill, resulting in heavy casualties for both sides.

Joseph Warren

Joseph Warren

Joseph Warren was a prominent patriot and leader in the colonial forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill. He fought alongside his fellow soldiers and ultimately lost his life in the battle, becoming a martyr for the cause of American independence.

The Battle Begins

The Battle Begins

The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. The American forces, led by Colonel William Prescott, fortified Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

The British Advance

The British Advance

The British army, under the command of General Thomas Gage, launched an attack on the American positions. Despite suffering heavy casualties, the Americans were able to hold off the British forces for three assaults.

The Americans Strategy

The Americans Strategy

The American soldiers were low on ammunition and supplies, so they were instructed to hold their fire until they could see the whites of the British soldiers' eyes. This strategy helped to conserve their limited resources and inflict maximum damage on the enemy.

The British Victory

The British Victory

After the third assault, the American forces ran out of ammunition and were forced to retreat. The British were able to capture the hill, but at a heavy cost - they suffered over 1,000 casualties, including many officers.

The Aftermath

The Aftermath

Although the British technically won the Battle of Bunker Hill, the American forces showed that they were a formidable opponent. The battle boosted the morale of the American troops and proved that they were willing to fight for their independence.

The Legacy

The Legacy

The Battle of Bunker Hill is remembered as a key moment in the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. It demonstrated the determination and courage of the American soldiers, who were willing to stand up to the powerful British army.

The Monument

The Monument

To honor the sacrifice of the soldiers who fought at Bunker Hill, the Bunker Hill Monument was erected on Breed's Hill. It stands as a reminder of the bravery and determination of those who fought in the battle.

The Impact

The Impact

The Battle of Bunker Hill had a significant impact on both the American and British forces. It showed the Americans that they could stand up against the British and inspired them to continue fighting for their independence.

The Symbolism

The Symbolism

Bunker Hill became a symbol of the American spirit and resistance to tyranny. The battle inspired patriots throughout the colonies and helped to galvanize support for the revolutionary cause.

The Lessons Learned

The Lessons Learned

The Battle of Bunker Hill taught both sides valuable lessons about warfare and strategy. It showed the Americans that they could hold their own against the British, while the British learned that defeating the colonists would not be an easy task.

In conclusion, the Battle of Bunker Hill was a crucial moment in the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the determination and bravery of the colonial forces against the British army. Despite ultimately losing the battle, the colonists proved that they were a formidable opponent and willing to fight for their independence.While the absence of flags may have added to the chaos of the battle, it also speaks to the raw and intense nature of the conflict. The Battle of Bunker Hill will always be remembered as a turning point in the fight for American independence, solidifying the resolve of the colonists to stand up against British rule.

1 / 19

Lesson Details & Resources

In a Nutshell

  • What: A significant battle in the American Revolutionary War.
  • When: June 17, 1775
  • Who: Continental Army under Colonel William Prescott vs. British Army under Major General William Howe
  • Outcome: British victory, but with heavy casualties; Boosted American morale and confidence.

Famous Figures in the Battle of Bunker Hill

  • George Washington

    George Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.

  • William Prescott

    William Prescott was a colonel in the Continental Army and played a crucial role in leading the American forces during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

  • Israel Putnam

    Israel Putnam was a general in the Continental Army and fought alongside Prescott during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

  • Benedict Arnold

    Benedict Arnold was an American general who initially fought for the Continental Army but later defected to the British Army.

  • Joseph Warren

    Joseph Warren was a physician and one of the early leaders of the American Revolution. He was killed in action during the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Timeline of Battle of Bunker Hill

April 19, 1775

British troops arrive in Boston to enforce the Coercive Acts

April 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington and Concord

April 1775

Colonial militia surround British troops in Boston

May 20, 1775

General Artemas Ward becomes commander of the colonial forces

June 14, 1775

Continental Army is formed

May 25, 1775

British General Thomas Gage is replaced by General William Howe

June 16, 1775

Colonists fortify Breed's Hill overlooking Boston

June 17, 1775

Battle of Bunker Hill (actually fought on Breed's Hill)

June 17, 1775

British forces capture Breed's Hill after heavy losses

June 17, 1775

Colonial forces retreat from Breed's Hill to Cambridge

June 17, 1775

British casualties: 1,054 killed and wounded

June 17, 1775

Colonial casualties: 450 killed and wounded

June 17, 1775

Colonists gain confidence after showing they can stand up to British regulars

June 1775

British begin blockading American ports

June 15, 1775

Congress appoints George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army

January 10, 1776

Publication of Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense'

July 4, 1776

Declaration of Independence is signed

March 17, 1776

British evacuate Boston

March 17, 1776

End of the Siege of Boston

June 17, 1775

Battle of Bunker Hill is considered a moral victory for the colonists

Vocabulary List

Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a major battle fought on June 17, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War.
Revolutionary War
The Battle of Bunker Hill was a significant event in the Revolutionary War, as it was one of the earliest major battles between the American colonists and the British forces.
American colonists
The Battle of Bunker Hill saw the American colonists, who were fighting for independence from British rule, defending their position against the British troops.
British forces
The Battle of Bunker Hill involved the British forces, who were attempting to assert their control over the American colonies and suppress the rebellion.
Militia
The American colonists at the Battle of Bunker Hill were largely made up of militia forces, who were untrained but determined to defend their cause.
Redcoats
The British forces at the Battle of Bunker Hill were often referred to as redcoats, due to their distinctive red uniforms.
Fortifications
Both sides in the Battle of Bunker Hill heavily relied on fortifications, with the American colonists building makeshift defenses on Breed's Hill and the British utilizing naval support and artillery.
Casualties
The Battle of Bunker Hill resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with the American colonists inflicting heavy losses on the British troops before ultimately being forced to retreat.
Strategic importance
The Battle of Bunker Hill had strategic importance as it showed that the American colonists were capable of standing up to the British forces and boosted their morale and determination for the rest of the Revolutionary War.
Consequences
The Battle of Bunker Hill had consequences that further escalated the conflict between the American colonists and the British forces, leading to the eventual Declaration of Independence and the creation of the United States of America.

Key Facts

This is the information used in the fact matching game

  • The Battle of Bunker Hill took place on June 17, 1775 during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War.
  • Although called the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting actually took place on nearby Breed's Hill.
  • The British forces were led by Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot.

  • The American forces were led by Colonel William Prescott, Major John Pitcairn, and General Israel Putnam.
  • The battle resulted in a British victory, but at a high cost in casualties.
  • The British suffered over 1,000 casualties, including many officers.

  • The American forces suffered around 400 casualties, including over 100 killed.
  • The battle demonstrated that the American forces were capable of standing up to the British regulars in a pitched battle.
  • The battle is known for the order given to the American troops, 'Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.'

  • The British won control of the Charlestown Peninsula after the battle, but suffered heavy losses in the process.
  • The battle was a morale boost for the American forces, despite being a tactical defeat.
  • The Battle of Bunker Hill is considered one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolutionary War.

  • The battle was a turning point in the war, showing that the American forces were a formidable opponent for the British.
  • The battle inspired the famous poem 'The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere' by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
  • The Battle of Bunker Hill is commemorated annually in Massachusetts with a reenactment and parade.

  • The battle site is now part of the Boston National Historical Park and is open to visitors.
  • The battle marked the beginning of a long and bloody conflict that would ultimately lead to American independence.
  • The Battle of Bunker Hill is also known as the Battle of Breed's Hill.

  • The battle was one of the first major engagements of the American Revolutionary War.
  • The battle site is located in present-day Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Analysis & Significance

Immediate Consequences

The Battle of Bunker Hill marked a significant turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Although technically a British victory, the high casualties suffered by the British forces and the morale boost it provided to the American troops fueled the spirit of resistance and determination among the colonists.

Long-Term Impact

The Battle of Bunker Hill inspired the colonists to continue fighting for independence, leading to the Declaration of Independence and ultimately the birth of the United States of America. It also demonstrated to the world that the American forces were a formidable opponent, gaining international support for the American cause.

Cultural Significance Today

The Battle of Bunker Hill is remembered as a symbol of American perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. It is commemorated annually in the United States as Bunker Hill Day, and the famous command “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” has become a lasting symbol of American ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Battle of Bunker Hill Games

Was This Lesson Helpful?

Please log in or sign up to rate this lesson. 

Take Your Learning Offline

Want a convenient, print-ready study guide for this lesson? Become a Memory Wizards Pro member to unlock the downloadable " Memory Scrolls" for this topic and our entire library!

  • ✓ Complete Vocabulary Lists
  • ✓ Key Facts & Timelines
  • ✓ Beautifully Formatted for Print & Mobile
Upgrade to Pro

You must be logged in to provide feedback. Please log in or create a free account.

Scroll to Top