On April 19, 1775, British troops and colonial militia clashed in Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts. These confrontations marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the American colonies. This event is later referred to as “the shot heard ’round the world”
• British troops march toward Concord
Forces move to seize colonial military supplies
• Early confrontation in Lexington
Colonial militia and British troops face each other on the village green
• Fighting spreads to Concord
Clashes occur as British troops search for supplies
• Colonial militia resist during retreat
Armed resistance follows British forces back toward Boston
The events at Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies. What began as tension and protest had now become a military struggle.
This moment marked a clear turning point, when conflict moved from political disagreement to open confrontation.