Final answer:
The geography of the Boston area provided natural barriers for defense, such as hills for artillery placement and narrow roads for ambush tactics, making it important in planning battles during the American Revolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geography of the Boston area was crucial in shaping battle plans during the American Revolution due to its natural topography that offered strategic advantages. The presence of hills such as Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill in Charlestown provided commanding views of both Boston and its harbor. These elevations were ideal for placing artillery batteries and observation posts, which were essential in controlling the area and monitoring British troop movements. Additionally, the narrow, walled roads from Concord to Boston limited the British troops' formations and movements, leaving them vulnerable to attack by the colonial militia and minutemen who used natural cover for guerrilla tactics.
Furthermore, after the British focused on New York City, the Continentals began fortifying strategic locations like Long Island, capitalizing on the geography to prevent easy naval access and movement by the British through the construction of forts and entrenchments.