Topic > The Siege of Boston: American Revolutionary War

The Siege of Boston was a decisive aspect of the American Revolutionary War. With the resistance of the American colonists for that period of time, it was proven that they had the strength and attitude to fight for their rights and beliefs. During the month of April 1775, as the battles of Lexington and Concord were taking place, colonial forces, led by General William Heath, were approaching the outskirts of Charlestown and Boston. Once command was passed to General Artemas Ward, the number of rebel forces was augmented with men from the surrounding colonies. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The commanding officer of the British forces was General Thomas Gage, who ordered his army to retreat to the Boston Neck, once he saw the colonial army outside the city of Charlestown. The agreement, regarding the passage of civilian personnel between the two establishments, was harmonious, as long as the civilians were exposed. This agreement is detailed in the book “After the Siege: A Social History of Boston 1775-1800”: “In an April 22 meeting between Gage and city officials, both sides agreed that 'the women and children, with all their effects, they will have safe conduct without the garrison' and that the male inhabitants 'provided... that they do not take up arms against the king's troops' may also leave... All goods except firearms and weapons could be taken away from the city. General Gage assured civilians who wished to remain that they would receive his protection. At a town meeting the next day the residents accepted the terms…”[1]The Americans had control of Charlestown and Boston Neck, but were unable to produce a blockade in Boston Harbor. The existence of the American Navy was not to be discussed at this early stage of the dispute, nor could it create resistance to the British Royal Navy. Forces from New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island decided to join the Massachusetts militias. For more than a month, both armies have been strengthening their combat capability and defense system, mentioning that a move was expected from both sides. The British Army had no access to the rest of the country, so its only source of supplies was the fleet in Boston Harbor, commanded by Admiral Samuel Graves. On May 25, 1775, a British warship brought Major General William Howe, General Henry Clinton, and General John Burgoyne, along with 6,000 soldiers, to reinforce the camp. By June 1775, British forces, having enough reinforcements to exploit a gap in colonial defense, were planning to establish occupation establishments at Bunker Hill and Dorchester Heights. Hearing of the British plans, General Artemas Ward ordered Colonel William Prescott to prepare a fortification of Bunker Hill and disrupt the European side's operations. The earthen fortifications were installed on the night of June 16-17, 1775, according to the Battle of Bunker Hill book. : “Whereas it appears important to the security of this colony that the possession of the hill called Bunker's Hill, in Charlestown, be securely maintained and defended; and, further, that one or more hills on the Dorchester Neck be similarly secured: therefore, it is resolved, unanimously, to recommend to the Council of War that the said Bunker's Hill be held, by placing sufficient forces thereon; and as the peculiar situation of Dorchester Neck is unknown to this committee, advise that the War Council should take and pursue such steps in accordance with the./