William Howe
Commander on the field
The British commander who led the direct assaults. His decisions at Bunker Hill shaped how Britain fought in New England afterward.
Revolutionary War • 1775
Battle of Bunker Hill
Click each card to learn about **British Generals** William Howe, Henry Clinton, and John Burgoyne — plus a card on how British strategy shifted after the battle.
Tip: In the reading panel, click a paragraph to “select” it, then add an annotation below. Notes save automatically on this device.
British Leadership Cards
Click a card to open the information window.
Henry Clinton
Planner & critic
A senior commander present in Boston who supported the operation and argued for alternative tactics. Later became a central figure in the war.
John Burgoyne
Observer & advisor
Helped plan British actions around Boston and watched the battle. His views about militia (and later choices) became historically important.
Strategy After Bunker Hill
What changed?
The British “won,” but the cost shocked them. This card explains how the battle influenced later tactics, planning, and the move toward a different kind of war.
Reading, Annotation, and Copy Tools
Click paragraphs to annotate.
Battle Snapshot (Student-Friendly Text)
After Lexington and Concord, Patriot forces pressured the British in Boston. The British could still use the harbor, but moving supplies and troops by land was difficult.
British leaders planned to control high ground around Boston, including the Charlestown Peninsula. Patriots learned of the plan and moved quickly to fortify the hills first.
The British chose a direct assault to drive the Patriots off the heights. The fighting was intense, and British attacks suffered heavy casualties.
The British eventually took the position, but the victory was costly. The battle proved that Patriot forces would not break easily, even against trained regular soldiers.
Your Annotation
Selected paragraph: none