Final answer:
The Battle of Bunker Hill answered whether American forces could stand against the formidable British army.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding what was answered at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775 is deeply rooted in historical events during the American Revolutionary War. This battle occurred on June 17, 1775, and is sometimes inaccurately referred to as Bunker's Hill, although the primary combat took place on Breed's Hill. The outcome of the battle illuminated for both the American forces and the British the capability and resolve of the American militia.
Despite being outgunned and eventually running out of ammunition, the Americans demonstrated their ability to stand against one of the most formidable armies in the world at that time. The British, under the command of Major General Sir William Howe, suffered significant casualties with 226 killed and over 800 wounded. The cost was devastating for the British, leading to a decline in confidence in General Gage and his eventual replacement by General Howe, who had ordered the costly frontal assaults. American forces, led by commanders such as Dr. Joseph Warren, General Israel Putnam, and General William Prescott, showcased their resilience and established strong defensive positions on the heights overlooking Boston.
As a result, although the British achieved their tactical objective by taking control of the Charlestown Peninsula after the American militia ran out of ammunition, the battle raised American spirits and proved that the colonial forces were capable of standing up to the British army. The victory came at a high price for the British, effectively demonstrating the strength and tenacity of the American forces and serving as a critical moment in bolstering the American resolve to continue fighting for independence.