Download
1 / 9
90 likes | 176 Views
Essential Question. What was the series of events that led to the first formal battle of the American Revolution?. The Siege of Boston. Chapter 6 Section 4 (Pt I). Boston. After Lexington & Concord, British troops retreated to safety in Boston
E N D
Essential Question • What was the series of events that led to the first formal battle of the American Revolution?
The Siege of Boston Chapter 6 Section 4 (Pt I)
Boston • After Lexington & Concord, British troops retreated to safety in Boston • 15,000 colonial militiamen quickly encircled the city in a military siege • If the Continental Army was able to place artillery, or cannon & large guns, on the heights, the British would be forced to surrender the city
A Daring Plan • The American plan for capturing Boston was both bold and complicated • First, Vermont frontiersman Ethan Allen would lead his men, known as the “Green Mountain Boys”, in capturing artillery @ Fort Ticonderoga • Second, Allen & his men would drag the captured cannon back to Boston
The 2nd Continental Congress • On the same day as the attack on Ft. Ticonderoga, the 2nd Continental Congress began meeting in Philadelphia • This Congress served as America’s govt. during the war • Delegates included many famous American leaders including: • John & Sam Adams • George Washington • John Hancock • Ben Franklin
The Continental Army • One major decision made @ this meeting was to create a formal standing army • The Continental Army would be formed from Patriots throughout the colonies. • GW was tapped to command the Army
Summary/Test Question • Which of the members of the 2nd Cont. Congress was also the commanding General of the Continental Army? • John Hancock • George Washington • Patrick Henry • Ben Franklin
Battle of Bunker Hill • Meanwhile, tensions were building in Boston • By June 1775, militiamen occupied positions on both Bunker Hill & Breed’s Hill surrounding the city • Alarmed by American occupation of the high ground, & the corresponding potential for devastating artillery fire, Gen. William Howe decided to attack • W/ 2,200 men, Howe climbed Breed’s Hill and attacked the American position in waves
Colonists Hold Their Own • American forces were eventually moved off the Hills, but the British paid a heavy cost • 1000 redcoats were killed or wounded to only 400 militiamen • The inexperienced Americans had held their own
