General William Howe: A British Commander in the American Revolutionary War
General William Howe, born in England in 1729, was a prominent British military commander during the American Revolutionary War. Known for his tactical prowess, Howe played a significant role in various campaigns against the American colonies.
Casey Adams
1/5/20243 min read


Early Life and Military Beginnings
William Howe, 5th Viscount Howe, was born on August 10, 1729, into a distinguished military family.
His father, Emanuel Howe, 2nd Viscount Howe, and mother, Mary Sophia von Kielmansegg, had deep connections within British aristocracy.
William was one of three brothers, all of whom had remarkable military careers. His elder brother, Richard Howe, was a prominent naval commander, and the youngest brother, George Augustus Howe, also served with distinction.
Howe began his military career in 1746, joining the British Army as an ensign.
His early service during the War of the Austrian Succession provided him with invaluable experience and honed his skills as a tactician.
Rising through the ranks, he demonstrated competence and bravery, earning the respect of his peers and superiors.
Service in the Seven Years' War
The Seven Years' War (1756–1763) was a turning point in Howe's career.
He played a pivotal role in several key engagements, cementing his reputation as an able and daring officer. In 1759, during the capture of Quebec, Howe’s leadership was instrumental.
He commanded a force that scaled the cliffs at Anse-au-Foulon, enabling James Wolfe to confront and defeat the French on the Plains of Abraham.
This victory significantly contributed to British dominance in North America.
Howe also participated in other notable campaigns of the war, including the sieges of Louisbourg, Belle Île, and Havana.
His effectiveness in amphibious operations showcased his adaptability and strategic acumen.
Following these successes, Howe was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Isle of Wight in 1768, a position he held until 1795.
Commander-in-Chief in North America
In March 1775, as tensions escalated between Britain and its American colonies, Howe was dispatched to North America.
He arrived in May, shortly after the outbreak of the American War of Independence.
His first major engagement, the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775, was a costly British victory.
Although the British forces secured the battlefield, they suffered significant casualties, leading Howe to adopt a more cautious approach in subsequent campaigns.
In September 1775, Howe succeeded Thomas Gage as Commander-in-Chief of British forces in America. His tenure was marked by both triumphs and controversies.
In 1776, Howe orchestrated the successful capture of New York City, employing a series of flanking maneuvers that outmatched the Continental Army under George Washington.
This victory bolstered British control in the region and earned Howe a knighthood.
The Philadelphia Campaign and Strategic Missteps
In 1777, Howe turned his attention to Philadelphia, the seat of the Continental Congress.
His campaign to capture the city was a tactical success, culminating in the occupation of Philadelphia.
However, his decision to focus on Philadelphia rather than supporting General John Burgoyne’s northern campaign proved disastrous for the British cause.
Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga was a turning point in the war, leading to France’s entry as an American ally.
Historians have debated the extent of Howe’s responsibility for the British failure to coordinate their campaigns in 1777.
Some argue that he acted independently, while others suggest that poor communication and conflicting orders from London contributed to the debacle.
Resignation and Later Life
Disillusioned with the conduct of the war and facing criticism from both sides of the Atlantic, Howe resigned his command in 1778 and returned to England.
Despite the controversies surrounding his American service, he remained active in British defense. He played a role in preparing for a potential French invasion during the later stages of the Revolutionary War.
Howe also pursued a political career, serving as a Member of Parliament for Nottingham from 1758 to 1780. In 1799, he inherited the Viscountcy of Howe following the death of his brother Richard.
Though he married, Howe left no heirs, and the viscountcy became extinct upon his death on July 12, 1814.
Legacy
William Howe’s legacy is a complex one. As a military leader, he demonstrated tactical brilliance in battles such as New York and Philadelphia, yet his strategic decisions, particularly in 1777, are often viewed as contributing to Britain’s eventual defeat.
His cautious approach and reluctance to pursue aggressive campaigns have been criticized, but they also reflect the challenges of waging war across a vast and hostile territory.
In the broader context of the American Revolutionary War, Howe’s career illustrates the difficulties faced by British commanders in balancing military objectives with political considerations.
His contributions to British military history, particularly during the Seven Years' War, remain significant, and his role as a key figure in one of history’s most transformative conflicts continues to be studied and debated.
References:
Hibbert, Christopher. "Redcoats and Rebels: The American Revolution Through British Eyes." W. W. Norton & Company, 1990.
Buchanan, John. "The Road to Guilford Courthouse: The American Revolution in the Carolinas." John Wiley & Sons, 1997.
History Channel. "William Howe." History.com. https://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/william-howe




