Narrative Battle of Bunker Hill Analysis - Essay Example

In the end, the American revolutionary force faced defeat in the battle. However, American forces marked their name in history and the losses for the British forces could claim a triumph only in name.

On June 13, 1775, Leaders of the Colonial forces had collected intelligence that the British troops were planning to march to Boston and occupy the surrounding hills. Consequently, 1,200 colonial troops under the control of William Prescott engaged Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill and they formed fortifications for a sudden and unexpected attack. From the beginning, American troops had marked remarkable victory against British Army and the British troops lost “over a third of the attacking forces, with a high number of commissioned officers, which was shocking news” (Maps of world.com). After the initial crisis, British Army powerfully returned to the battlefield and they captured the Hill and its surroundings completely. The absence of modern weapons and organized war strategies paved the way for an unexpected turn in the battle. The death of Major John Pitcairn had pressed the revolutionary forces to withdraw from the battlefield. In addition, Colonists failed to overcome the presence of ammunition. Accompanied with modern weapons bayonet-equipped instruments British Army detained the upper hand. More than 115 American revolutionists were killed, 305 wounded, and 30 captured. In the case of Britain, 226 were killed and more than 800 wounded in the battle.

Historians have identified several reasons behind the battle related to politics, administration, problem of representation, and taxation. The Stamp Act of 1765 imposed unnecessary taxes among the colonists and they were forced to pay taxes for necessary things. Mary Englar observes that ‘Many Colonists claimed Great Britain didn’t have the right to tax them’ (Englar, 8). Similarly, Colonists had faced a severe identity crisis and they did not get representation in administration. Another important reason is that Britain established some provoking military reforms in Boston and its surrounding areas and these military operations made things worse.

It is significant to mention that Bunker Hill Battle had failed to establish strategic changes in Boston and its surroundings. An unexpected counterattack from colonists and the high cost of the victory contributed to controversies and discussions in London. The British government had implemented some administrative and strategic reforms among its forces. Kennedy Hickman states that ‘The high number of casualties sustained also contributed to Gage's dismissal from the command’ (Hickman). Further discussions and administrative reforms were followed in Britain after the battle.

In conclusion, The Battle of Bunker Hill caught the attention of historians as well students because of its historic background and political relevance. It is considered the first direct conflict between the Continental Army and British Forces. Even though colonists failed in their attempt to capture victory, they marked their name in history and pulled Britain into the world of crisis.