Outrage

By 1775, the 13 British colonies in North America were outraged at such high taxation without any representation. The Americans have been burdened heavily by the high taxation. Across the Atlantic Ocean in Britain, King George III is getting outraged. His colonies are in near revolt, they are his subjects, Englishmen, yes not born in England but Englishmen just the same. He is their ruler and it is because of them that his empire is going broke. Decades ago, King George III sent British troops to defend the colonies from French and Native American invaders in what is today called the French and Indian War. While Britain won the war and gained Canada, the war nearly bankrupted Britain and now they need the money. Since Britain has no other choice than raising the taxes that is what they do. Several outrageous had happened following the rise in taxation. The British sent regiments to Boston where most of the outrage had occurred including: the Boston Massacre; and the Boston Tea Party. Several delegates from the colonies met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where they sent a message to the king ordering him to lower taxes or else the colonies will revolt. The king did not accept and now the revolution seem inevitable.

Lexington and Concord

British General Thomas Gage has been put in charge of the British troops in Boston, Massachusetts; he has a total of 3,000 troops in Boston. The Americans outnumber him with over 5,000 militia troops. Gage is ordered to send 1,700 troops to towns like Lexington and Concord where thousands of weapons are stockpiled. On April 19, 1775 the British army moved its way to Lexington and Concord. The first shots were fired at Lexington where the British won a small victory against the Americans. The British marched to Concord where they were ambushed by the rebels. British troops now ran back to Boston as up to 4,000 American troops followed them all the way back. With the British now back in Boston, the Americans now siege the city. As the war continued the Americans took Fort Ticonderoga from the British putting pressure on Gage and he is dismissed and replaced by three generals: General William Howe, the overall commander; General Henry Clinton; and General John Burgoyne.

Bunker Hill

On June 16, 1775, American rebels now gathered at Bunker Hill by order of the newly appointed commander, George Washington. Then the Americans move a hill closer to the British on Breed's Hill. They dig in a position that puts them across Boston harbor in view of Boston and the British fleet. The next day the British fleet fires on the American positions at Breed's Hill. About 1,400 militia have dug in defenses on the hill and watch as 2,600 British troops are ordered to cross the harbor an attack being led by Howe. The British form lines and march up the hill but they are twice forced back. On the third charge they take Breed's and Bunker Hills. In order to force them out of Boston, General Washington orders the newly taken artillery from Fort Ticonderoga are placed on Dorchester Heights across the harbor. The next day after seeing the artillery on the heights, General Howe evacuates the city. British troops and loyalists, the supporters of the British gather onto the British ships and sail from Boston. The Americans celebrate as Boston, the birthplace of the revolution, is back in American hands.