The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord began early on April 19, 1775 after the British found out where the colonists were hiding their weaponry and supplies. The British planned to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock in Lexington and seize the weapons in Concord. On the morning of April 19 in Lexington, 240 British soldiers (of the advanced guard) stood face to face with 70 colonial Minutemen. All stood and silent waiting on the other to make the first move. Suddenly, a shot rang out but nobody knew who fired the shot (this is known as “The Shot Heard Around the World”). Everyone assumed it was the opposite side and opened fire on their opponents. The British defeated the colonists but in the end the colonists slowed the British down enough for the rest of their men to retrieve their weapons. when the British arrived in Concord there were no weapons or gunpowder. The British then retreated back to Boston. On the way to Boston, the British were constantly attacked by more than 4000 angry Colonial Minutemen, who killed off most of the British.