The British assault on Breed's Hill and the burning of Charlestown were the first major battles of the American Revolution; after the events at Boston there was no turning back. This detailed text by Brendan Morrissey explores the opposing commanders and forces involved, whilst describing how the sparks at Lexington and Concord ignited the smouldering resentment of the Colonists into the flame of a rebellion. Colonist militia were pitted against British Redcoats in a series of struggles which led the British to evacuate Boston and to George Washington taking command of the fledgling American army.

Includes maps of: Colonial North America, ca. 1775; Colonial New England, ca. 1775; Boston Harbour and Surrounding Islands; Road to Concord; Concord and Environs; Battle of Breed's Hill (2); Siege of Boston, JUL 1775-MAR 1776; [Counties of Massachusetts around Boston].

The road to war -- The seat of war -- The opposing commanders -- The opposing armies -- Lexington and Concord, 19 April 1775 -- Breed's Hill, 17 June 1775 -- The siege -- Aftermath -- The battlefields today.