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The battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, was one of the first major clashes of the American Revolution. Colonial militia fortified Breed's Hill to block British control of Boston. British troops under General Howe attacked in waves, suffering heavy losses before the colonists retreated due to low ammunition. the British won the ground, but their high casualties showed the colonists could stand up to them. The battle gave Americans confidence and proved the war would be long and hard.