Why Was the Battle of Long Island So Important?

The Battle of Long Island was important for three reasons.  It was the:

• First battle of the American Revolutionary War
• Biggest battle of the war
• First battle fought by troops of the newly declared nation of the United States  

The Battle of Long Island was important because it was the first battle of the war and was a major battle of the Revolutionary War. It was fought on August 27, 1776 more than a month after the United States declared its independence from British rule.  

This Battle of Long Island was also important because it tested the fortitude of the United States and their resolve to be independent. During this battle, loss of life for the Americans was around 2000 and the British lost 400. Losing the first battle of a war and losing 2000 men was enough to make many people give up, and many did. It was quite a feat to come back after this major defeat and win the war. General Washington did not allow the Battle of Long Island to be important, rather he let it strengthen his resolve.

Fighting the Battle of Long Island

One of the events leading up to the battle is the defeat of the British in the Siege of Boston on March 17, 1776 by General George Washington and the Continental Army. After than, General Washington brought the troops to defend New York City, which back then was the southern end of Manhattan Island. They waited there to see what the British would do, ready for an attack.  

Soon the British arrived, 32,000 men strong, led by William Howe. On the night of August 26th, British forces managed to get between American forces. When daylight arrived, the British opened fire on the surprised Americans. It was apparent very soon that the Americans would not be able to win this battle. A small group fought the British while the majority of troops from one of the groups made their retreat.

For the next two days, Washington waited for the British to attack but it did not happen. He decided to retreat to Manhattan and on the evening of August 29th, the American Army was ferried across the East River with the help of small boats brought by civilians. The crossing was fairly easy because of the calm water and a thick fog that hid their retreat.  

After the Battle of Long Island

The British forces were surprised to see that the Continental Army had retreated. When news of this victory reached London, there was much celebrating and King George III gave General Howe the Order of the Bath, which is a medal given for chivalry. The Order of the Bath was part of the ceremony when knights were created.

On September 15th, General Howe occupied New York City and on September 21st, a fire destroyed much of the city. After the fire, Nathan Hale was executed for spying. After several more defeats, General Washington and the Continental Army retreated across New Jersey into Pennsylvania.  

The American Revolutionary War lasted for eight more years. Cost in life was high and can only be estimated.

• Around 25,000 American soldiers lost their lives during the war
• Another 25,000 were seriously wounded or disabled.

The Treaty of Paris was signed September 3, 1783 officially ending the American Revolutionary War. The last of the British troops left New York City on November 25, 1783 and the Treaty of Paris was ratified by America on January 14, 1784, and by the King of Great Britain on April 9, 1784.