Why did the American officers tell the volunteers not to fire until you see the whites of their eyes?

The phrase "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" was used by American officers during the Revolutionary War to ensure that soldiers conserved their ammunition and only fired when the enemy was close enough to increase the chances of hitting their target. This tactic was crucial in battles like Bunker Hill, where limited supplies and the need for accuracy were paramount. By waiting for the enemy to come within close range, soldiers could maximize their impact and effectiveness in combat.