William Howe
Sir William Howe was a prominent British military officer who played significant roles during pivotal conflicts in the 18th century, including the French and Indian War and the American Revolutionary War. Born in 1729, he joined the British military in 1746 and gained early experience in North America, participating in key battles such as the Siege of Louisbourg and the Battle of Quebec. His military career advanced during the American Revolution, where he initially served as second in command under General Thomas Gage and later succeeded him as commander in chief in North America.
Howe led British forces in several notable engagements, achieving victories at the Battle of Bunker Hill and in New York, but faced increasing scrutiny for his tactics, particularly during the occupation of Philadelphia. His leadership was criticized following defeats at Trenton and Saratoga, which ultimately led to his resignation in 1778. After returning to England, Howe continued to serve in various military and political roles until his death in 1814. His legacy is complex, reflecting both military successes and challenges during a transformative period in American history.
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William Howe
Armed Forces Personnel
- Born: August 10, 1729
- Birthplace: London, England
- Died: July 12, 1814
- Place of death: Plymouth, England
Full name: Sir William Howe
Born: August 10, 1729; London, England
Died: July 12, 1814; Plymouth, England
Principal wars: French and Indian War, American Revolution
Principal battles: Quebec (1759), Bunker Hill (1775), Trenton (1776), Brandywine (1777), Germantown (1777)
Military significance: Howe is best remembered as commander in chief of British troops during the American Revolution.
Younger brother of Admiral Lord Richard Howe, Sir William Howe entered the British military in 1746. He served in America during the French and Indian War (1754–1763) where he participated in the Siege of Louisbourg (1758) and led troops to the Plains of Abraham at the Battle of Quebec (1759). While still in America, Howe served in Parliament from 1758 to 1780. When the American Revolution (1775–1783) broke out in the colonies, Howe served as second in command under General Thomas Gage in Boston. After successfully leading British troops at Breed’s Hill during the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775), he succeeded Gage as commander in chief of British troops in North America.
In 1776, his armies drove George Washington’s troops out of New York with victories at Long Island, Brooklyn Heights, and White Plains. The British were triumphant at Brandywine and Germantown in Pennsylvania in 1777. As Howe occupied Philadelphia, he faced increasing criticism for failing to use tactical advantages to force a total surrender of Washington’s troops. Blamed for British defeats at Trenton (1776) and criticized by John Burgoyne for the loss at Saratoga (1777), he resigned his commission in early 1778. He returned to England and complained of the British government’s lack of military support. He was made a full general in 1793 and served in a number of political offices until his death in 1814.
Bibliography
Anderson, Troyer Steele. The Command of the Howe Brothers During the American Revolution. New York: Oxford University Press, 1932.
Gruber, Ira D. The Howe Brothers and the American Revolution. Reprint. New York: Atheneum, 1974.
Patridge, Bellamy. Sir Billy Howe. London: Longmans Green, 1932.