Battle+of+Long+Island

= **__The Battle of Long Island __** **__1776 __ media type="custom" key="11925024"** = ====

== The Battle of Long Island took place on August 27, 1776 during the American Revolution. This was the first major battle in the Revolutionary War after the Declaration of Independence had been signed a month before. The battle was located in New York, USA. Major General Lord Howe led 20,000 British and Hessian troops, while George Washington led 10,000 American troops. The British wore red coats and the Americans wore blue coats during the battle. However, the combatants were both armed with muskets and guns. The British forced the Americans from Long Island. However, when the battle was over, approximately 250 Americans were dead or wounded, and the British had approximately 400 who were either dead or wounded. Although the American troops lost this battle, it was considered by some American Generals to be a turning point in the war. ==

== George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 and died on December 14, 1799. He was the supreme military and political leader of the new [|United States of America] for almost twenty-five years (1775-1799). He led the American victory over Great Britain in the [|Revolutionary War] as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army for eight years (1775-1783). Washington also administered the writing of the [|Constitution] in 1787. In 1789, after a unanimous vote, Washington was chosen to serve as the first [|President of the United States]. His presidency lasted from 1789–1797. President Washington watched over the creation of a powerful, well-financed national government that stayed neutral as wars began to rage in Europe. George Washington suppressed rebellion and easily won acceptance among Americans of all types. His leadership style established numerous systems and rituals of government that have been used ever since his presidency, such as using a [|cabinet system] and delivering an [|inaugural address]. Washington is universally known as the Fa ther of Our Country.==



==William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, was born on August 10, 1729 and died on July 12, 1814. Howe was a British army officer who ascended to be [|Commander-in-Chief] of British forces during the Revolutionary War. Howe, having joined the army in 1746, saw extensive service in the [|War of the Austrian Succession] and [|Seven Years' War]. In 1759 He led a British force to capture the cliffs at Anse-au-Foulon, and soon became known for his role in the capture of Quebec. Howe was sent to North America in March 1775, and arrived in May after the Revolutionary War began. In September of that year, Howe took command of all British forces after leading British troops to a costly victory in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Howe also successfully captured both New York City and Philadelphia. General Howe's role in the failure of the British that year has been an object of present-day and historic debate. In 1778 he resigned from his position as Commander in Chief and returned to England. There, he was occasionally active in the defense of the British Isles. Howe served for many years in Parliament, and was [|knighted] after his successes in 1776. Upon the death of his brother Richard in 1799, he inherited the [|Viscountcy of Howe]. General William Howe married, but had no children, and the viscountcy was stifled with his death in 1814.==

== == == During the Battle of Long Island, the troops from nearby states, Delaware and Maryland, were positioned on the right of General Washington's line. The army defended the most direct passage from the British landing site to the American barriers in Brooklyn Heights. Though the troops faced the fiercest fighting yet, they stayed strong and faught hard enough to allow the remainder of Washington's army to safely retreat to the fort. ==

== The British were shocked to learn that Washington and the American army had escaped. The following day, August 30, the British troops occupied the American fort. When word of the battle got to London, it caused many celebrations and activities to take place. Bells were rung throughout the city, candles were lit and put in window sils and King George III gave General Howe the Order of the Bath. ==

[[image:http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.211294673.jpg caption="rub-a-dub-dub william howe, rub-a-dub-dub."]]
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