The Battle of Lexington and Concorde

CHAPTER 3- The Battle of Lexington and Concord

Vocabulary

escalate– to increase or intensify, especially in terms of a conflict or problem.

militia– a group of ordinary citizens who are trained and organized to act as a military force in times of need. 

disperse– to scatter or spread out in different directions. 

skirmish– a small, short-lived fight or battle between small groups of soldiers or opposing forces. 

oppression-is someone treats others unfairly and keeps them from having equal rights or opportunities. 

The Battle of Lexington and Concord: The Start of the American Revolution

The Battle of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War, a pivotal moment in history that led to the independence of the United States from British rule. Let’s explore the events leading up to the battle, the conflict itself, and its significance in American history.

In the years leading up to the American Revolution, tensions between the American colonies and the British government had been escalating. Issues such as taxation without representation and restrictions on colonial freedoms had fueled resentment among the colonists. In response to British policies, colonial militias began to form, preparing for potential conflict.

On the night of April 18, 1775, British troops received orders to march from Boston to the nearby towns of Lexington and Concord. Their mission was to seize and destroy military supplies that the colonists had stockpiled. However, the colonial militia, known as minutemen, had been warned of the British advance by Paul Revere and others.

The Battle of Lexington:

As the British troops approached Lexington in the early hours of April 19, they encountered a small group of militiamen on Lexington Green. The British commander ordered the militiamen to disperse, but the situation quickly escalated. Shots were fired, and in the ensuing chaos, several minutemen were killed or wounded. This brief skirmish became known as the Battle of Lexington.

The Battle of Concord:

After the confrontation in Lexington, the British troops continued their march to Concord. Upon reaching the town, they encountered a larger force of colonial militia. Fierce fighting broke out at the North Bridge, where the colonial militia successfully repelled the British troops. The British were forced to retreat back to Boston, facing relentless attacks from colonial militia along the way.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War. They demonstrated the colonists’ determination to defend their rights and liberties against British oppression. The events also galvanized support for the colonial cause throughout the thirteen colonies and paved the way for the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States.

The Battle of Lexington and Concord ignited the flames of revolution and set the stage for the birth of a new nation. It demonstrated the courage and resilience of the American colonists in their quest for freedom and independence. The legacy of these battles continues to inspire generations of Americans to uphold the values of liberty and democracy.

Worksheet: THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON AND CONCORD

Multiple Choice: What event marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War?

A) Boston Tea Party

B) Battle of Lexington and Concord

C) Declaration of Independence

True or False: Paul Revere’s midnight ride warned the colonial militia of the British advance.

True

False

Short Answer: Describe the significance of the Battles of Lexington and Concord in American history.

Critical Thinking: Why do you think the British government wanted to seize and destroy colonial military supplies in Lexington and Concord?

Word Search: Find and circle the following words related to the American Revolutionary War:

Independence

Minutemen

Revolution

Militia

Liberty