The Significance of the Order

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 70 views

Introduction

The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War. It was one of the bloodiest battles of the war, with over 1,000 casualties on both sides. The battle was a strategic victory for the British, but it was a moral victory for the Americans, as it showed that they could stand up to the British army and fight for their independence.

The Order to "See the Whites of Their Eyes"

One of the most famous orders given during the Battle of Bunker Hill was "Don't fire until you can see the whites of their eyes!" This order was given by a colonial officer, who is believed to be Colonel William Prescott. The order was given to the soldiers on the American side, who were positioned on Breed's Hill, which was the site of the battle.

Why the Order Was Given

The reason Colonel Prescott gave this order was to ensure that the soldiers only fired when they had a clear shot at the British soldiers. At the time, muskets were not as accurate as they are today, and the soldiers needed to be able to see the whites of the British soldiers' eyes in order to get a clear shot. If the soldiers fired too early, they would have wasted their ammunition and given away their position to the British.

The Significance of the Order

The order to "see the whites of their eyes" was significant because it showed that the American soldiers were well-trained and well-disciplined. They were able to hold their fire until they had a clear shot, which gave them a better chance of hitting their targets. This order also showed that the American soldiers were willing to take their time and wait for the right moment to strike, rather than firing wildly and giving away their position.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a complex and confusing battle, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. The British army, led by General William Howe and General Henry Clinton, launched a series of attacks on the American positions on Breed's Hill. The American soldiers, led by Colonel Prescott and Colonel John Stark, held their ground and fought bravely, but they were eventually forced to retreat.

The Aftermath of the Battle

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a strategic victory for the British, as they were able to capture Breed's Hill and drive the American soldiers out of the area. However, the battle was a moral victory for the Americans, as it showed that they could stand up to the British army and fight for their independence. The battle also showed that the American soldiers were well-trained and well-disciplined, and that they were willing to take their time and wait for the right moment to strike.

The Legacy of the Battle

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. It showed that the American soldiers were capable of standing up to the British army and fighting for their independence. The battle also showed that the American soldiers were well-trained and well-disciplined, and that they were willing to take their time and wait for the right moment to strike.

Conclusion

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a pivotal moment in American history. It was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, and it showed that the American soldiers were capable of standing up to the British army and fighting for their independence. The order to "see the whites of their eyes" was a significant moment in the battle, as it showed that the American soldiers were well-trained and well-disciplined. The battle also showed that the American soldiers were willing to take their time and wait for the right moment to strike, rather than firing wildly and giving away their position.

Key Takeaways

The Battle of Bunker Hill was a pivotal moment in American history.
The order to "see the whites of their eyes" was given by Colonel William Prescott to ensure that the soldiers only fired when they had a clear shot at the British soldiers.
The battle was a strategic victory for the British, but it was a moral victory for the Americans.
The battle showed that the American soldiers were well-trained and well-disciplined, and that they were willing to take their time and wait for the right moment to strike.

Additional Resources

"The Battle of Bunker Hill" by David Hackett Fischer
"The American Revolution" by Gordon S. Wood
"The Battle of Bunker Hill" by the National Park Service

Discussion Questions

What was the significance of the order to "see the whites of their eyes" during the Battle of Bunker Hill?
How did the Battle of Bunker Hill contribute to the American Revolutionary War?
What were the key factors that led to the American victory at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

References

Fischer, D. H. (1994). The Battle of Bunker Hill. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
Wood, G. S. (1992). The American Revolution. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
National Park Service. (n.d.). The Battle of Bunker Hill. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bunker-hill-battle.htm