On June 16, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place. This was a significant conflict fought between British troops and colonial militia near Boston, Massachusetts. Although the battle is named after Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed's Hill.
The colonial forces, mainly made up of inexperienced militia members, managed to inflict heavy casualties on the British troops despite ultimately losing the ground. The battle is famously remembered for the phrase “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes,” reflecting the militia’s strategy to conserve ammunition and fire at close range.
The outcome of the battle proved that the colonial forces could stand up to the British army, fueling the resolve of the American colonists in their fight for independence. The British suffered significant casualties, with over 1,000 men killed or wounded, which was a heavy toll for them.
This battle was one of the early major confrontations in the war and served as a catalyst for further revolutionary activity, marking a significant moment in the struggle for American independence.