How did Washington gain control of boston
During the American Revolutionary War, British forces occupied Boston in 1774. However, George Washington, who would later become the first President of the United States, was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775.
Washington devised a plan to liberate Boston from British control. He positioned cannons obtained from Fort Ticonderoga on Dorchester Heights, overlooking the city and its harbor. On the night of March 4, 1776, Washington's troops successfully fortified the Heights with these cannons, creating a significant threat to the British fleet in the harbor.
Faced with the possibility of bombardment and defeat, British General William Howe, who was in command of the occupying forces, decided to evacuate Boston on March 17, 1776. Howe's troops and loyalist civilians were safely transported to Nova Scotia and other British-controlled regions.
Washington's strategic positioning of cannons on Dorchester Heights ultimately forced the British to relinquish control of Boston after an occupation of approximately 11 months. This victory was a significant boost to American morale in the early stages of the Revolution.
To understand how Washington gained control of Boston during the American Revolutionary War, we need to look at the timeline of events:
1. Battle of Bunker Hill: On June 17, 1775, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place in Charlestown, which is now part of Boston. Although the British won the battle, it came at a significant cost, and the Americans showed their determination and resistance.
2. George Washington appointed as Commander-in-Chief: On June 15, 1775, the Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington as the Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed Continental Army.
3. Siege of Boston: Following the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Americans initiated a siege of Boston. Washington arrived in Boston on July 3, 1775, and took command of the Continental Army.
4. Fortifying Dorchester Heights: Recognizing the strategic importance of high ground, Washington ordered the fortification of Dorchester Heights. Henry Knox, an artillery officer, successfully transported cannons from Fort Ticonderoga in upstate New York to Boston in the winter of 1775-1776.
5. Evacuation of Boston: On March 4, 1776, Washington's troops, now armed with cannons, positioned themselves on Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston and threatening the British occupation there. Faced with the prospect of a bombardment, British General William Howe decided to evacuate Boston.
6. British withdrawal: On March 17, 1776, the British forces, along with many loyalist civilians, departed from Boston. They sailed to Nova Scotia, regrouping for their next moves in the war.
In summary, Washington and the Continental Army gained control of Boston by strategically fortifying Dorchester Heights, which forced the British to evacuate the city in March 1776.
To understand how Washington gained control of Boston, we need to look at the historical context of the American Revolutionary War. Washington's actions and strategies during this period were instrumental in the eventual victory of the American colonists over the British.
1. Siege of Boston: In April 1775, the American Revolution began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The British army, stationed in Boston, faced opposition from local militia groups. Following these battles, colonial forces, with Washington as their commander-in-chief, quickly moved to surround Boston and initiate a siege.
2. Continental Army: Washington took command of the newly formed Continental Army in July 1775. He arrived in Boston, where he assessed the situation and realized that his forces were not strong enough to engage the British directly. Instead, he implemented a strategy of containment and blockade to isolate the British forces in Boston.
3. Fortification of Dorchester Heights: In March 1776, Washington devised a plan to fortify Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston. Under the cover of darkness, his troops installed cannons and earthworks on the heights, which put the British in Boston at a significant disadvantage.
4. Evacuation of Boston: Upon awakening to the newly fortified Dorchester Heights, the British realized their precarious position. General William Howe, the British commander, decided to evacuate Boston rather than engage in a dangerous confrontation. On March 17, 1776, the British forces, including loyalists, departed Boston via ships.
In summary, Washington gained control of Boston through the strategic implementation of a siege, containment, and fortification of key positions. This ultimately pressured the British into evacuating the city, marking a significant victory for the American forces during the Revolutionary War.