History of North America

What was the major effect of Dorchester Heights battle?

The major effect of the Battle of Dorchester Heights was that it forced the British to evacuate Boston.

- In March 1776, the Continental Army under General George Washington began to fortify Dorchester Heights, which overlooked the city of Boston.

- The British were taken by surprise, as they had not expected the Americans to be able to move their artillery up the hill.

- The British commander, General William Howe, realized that he could not defend Boston if the Americans were able to establish a strong position on Dorchester Heights.

- He therefore decided to evacuate the city, and on March 17, 1776, the British fleet sailed out of Boston Harbor.

- The evacuation of Boston was a major victory for the Americans, and it boosted their morale.

- It also showed that the Americans were capable of defeating the British, and it helped to convince France to enter the war on the side of the Americans.