The Battles of Lexington and Concord

The Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of armed conflict between the American colonies and British forces. These battles arose from tensions between colonists and British troops, who had been sent to confiscate colonial military supplies. At Lexington, the famous 'shot heard 'round the world' was fired, signaling the start of open hostilities. The battles ultimately demonstrated the colonists’ willingness to stand up to British authority and helped to galvanize support for the revolutionary cause throughout the colonies.