How did Washington gain control of Boston?
a.He gained the trust of Native Americans who led a deadly attack on the British.
b.He sent 16,000 troops to launch a surprise attack on the British fort protecting Boston.
c.He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.
d.He surrounded the harbor, giving them no option other than to surrender.
c. He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.
c. He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.
The correct answer is c) He strategically placed cannons overlooking the harbor which forced out the British.
To gain control of Boston, George Washington and his troops implemented a strategic plan. Here's how he achieved this:
1. Washington realized that the British troops in Boston were heavily reliant on supplies brought in by sea. He understood that controlling the harbor would limit the British's ability to resupply and reinforce their troops.
2. Washington decided to place cannons on the heights of Dorchester Heights, overlooking the city and the harbor. This move was to ensure that he had a strong position from which to threaten the British Navy.
3. Washington's army worked swiftly and quietly to build fortifications and position the cannons overnight on March 4, 1776. This surprise move prevented the British from discovering and interfering with their efforts.
4. When the British woke up on the morning of March 5, they were astonished to see Washington's cannons gleaming in the sun, pointing directly at them. Realizing the danger they were in, the British commander, General William Howe, decided to abandon the city.
5. Faced with the threat of the cannon fire, the British forces retreated from Boston on March 17, 1776, boarding their ships and sailing to Halifax, Nova Scotia, effectively giving up control of the city to Washington and the Continental Army.
So, Washington's strategic placement of cannons overlooking the harbor forced the British to evacuate Boston, enabling him to gain control of the city.