Question

What happened when the militia trapped the British inside Boston

Answer 1

The event you're referring to occurred during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War, particularly around 1775. After the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, colonial militias and Continental Army forces laid siege to Boston, where British troops were stationed.

In the latter part of April 1775, the colonial forces moved to surround the city, effectively trapping the British troops inside. This situation created a tense standoff, as the British were unable to easily resupply their forces or communicate with other parts of the empire.

The siege lasted for nearly a year and culminated in the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775, which, despite being a costly victory for the British, demonstrated that colonial forces could stand up to the British Army. The siege significantly strained British resources and morale.

In March 1776, the Continental Army, under George Washington, fortified Dorchester Heights with artillery captured from Fort Ticonderoga. This strategic positioning forced the British to evacuate Boston, which they did on March 17, 1776. The successful siege and subsequent evacuation of British forces marked a significant turning point in the early stages of the Revolution, bolstering the confidence of the Continental forces and solidifying the resolve for independence.