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Lexington & Concord. April 19, 1775. The Plot. John Hancock, Sam Adams, other leaders were hiding from arrest in Concord. Also a stockpile of ammunition in Concord. The British troops are planning to capture them in Concord, but colonial spies find out.
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Lexington & Concord April 19, 1775
The Plot • John Hancock, Sam Adams, other leaders were hiding from arrest in Concord. Also a stockpile of ammunition in Concord. • The British troops are planning to capture them in Concord, but colonial spies find out. • Paul Revere & others ride into the night to warn of approaching “regulars” • Lexington 5 am: British & 77 militia meet. Mysterious shot fired. 8 colonists killed. British go on to Concord • Conflict at North Bridge, 2 colonists killed, 3 British killed. • 400 militia waiting on hillside, thought their homes were being burned, came down to Concord and attacked. Few deaths. British retreat.
Key People, Groups, Figures Colonists • Paul Revere & Samuel Prescott ride the north route to warn colonists; PR captured by British soldiers • William Dawes rides south route • Militia (77 @ Lex., 3000 by end) • Dr. Warren –1 if by land, 2 if by sea; nursed colonists’ wounds all day • Captain John Parker British • General Thomas Gage & 700 British soldiers • E. Burke tries to smooth things over for the colonists
Outcome • 3000 colonists surround the road back to Boston, more fighting as British retreat • Three times as many British were killed as Americans (270 British) • These clashes proved the Americans were willing to fight for their rights as British citizens.
Hist. Significance/Importance • First armed resistance resulting in British loss of life • It was the “shot heard round the world”—led the way for many countries to rebel against the monarchs who controlled them • Days later, Massachusetts men used propaganda to gain support from other colonists. Now about 1/3 of colonists were for independence from Britain (Patriots) • 2nd Continental Congress • Olive Branch Petition—asking for peace from the King (He refused) • Chose George Washington to lead organized army • (15-20,000)