Major General William Howe
Major General William Howe: The British General Who Failed to Crush the American Revolution
Early Life (1729-1758)
William Howe was born in 1729 into a wealthy and influential British military family. His older brother, General George Howe, died heroically in battle during the French and Indian War, which made William a well-respected officer.
Howe served in the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), where he gained experience in siege warfare and battlefield tactics. His success in battle earned him a reputation as a skilled and brave commander.
Middle Life and the American Revolution (1775-1778)
In 1775, Howe was sent to North America as one of the top British generals during the American Revolution. He played a key role in the early years of the war.
1. The Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775)
✅ Howe led British troops to victory, capturing Bunker Hill in Massachusetts.
❌ However, the British suffered over 1,000 casualties, proving the Americans were strong fighters.
2. The New York Campaign (1776)
In 1776, Howe led a massive invasion of New York City, aiming to crush the rebellion.
✅ His army defeated George Washington in a series of battles, including Long Island, Harlem Heights, and White Plains.
✅ The British captured New York City, a major victory.
❌ However, Howe failed to capture Washington’s army, allowing the Americans to escape and continue fighting.
3. The Philadelphia Campaign (1777)
In 1777, instead of helping British General John Burgoyne’s army in the North, Howe decided to capture Philadelphia, the American capital.
✅ He defeated Washington at the Battle of Brandywine and captured Philadelphia.
❌ However, by focusing on Philadelphia, Howe left Burgoyne’s army without support.
❌ Burgoyne’s army was forced to surrender at Saratoga (October 1777)—a disaster that led France to join the war against Britain.
4. Resignation and Return to Britain (1778)
After the Saratoga disaster, Howe was heavily criticized for his failures. He resigned in 1778 and returned to England, where he spent the rest of his life defending his actions.
Later Life and Legacy (1779-1814)
Howe continued serving in British politics and the military, but he never held a major command again. He died in 1814, remembered as the general who won battles but failed to end the American Revolution.
Lifetime Achievements and Failures
✅ Won major victories at Bunker Hill, New York, and Philadelphia.
✅ Captured the American capital, Philadelphia.
❌ Failed to destroy Washington’s army, allowing the war to continue.
❌ Ignored Burgoyne’s army, leading to the disastrous British defeat at Saratoga.
Howe’s decisions helped prolong the war and allowed America to eventually win its independence.
Reflective Writing Exercise
How did Howe’s failures contribute to the British losing the American Revolution?
Why do you think Howe chose to capture Philadelphia instead of helping Burgoyne?
If you could ask General Howe one question, what would it be?