The Road to Lexington and Concord

EQ: Was there any possible way to avoid the Revolutionary War and achieve the same results for the colonists and England? Or was violence the only possible way to achieve independence?

Intolerable Acts Punishment from the Boston Tea Party Port of Boston closed British soldiers charged with a crime returns to England for trial Allow only 1 town meeting per year New harsher Quartering Act

First Continental Congress 12 of the 13 colonies attended Voted to ban all trade with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. Also had each colony start to train troops Parliament actually increased the restrictions

“Gentlemen may cry peace, peace– but there is no peace “Gentlemen may cry peace, peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why should we idle here?... I know not what course others may take. But as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” Patrick Henry

Midnight Ride Paul Revere, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott all part of the warning system for the patriots. Prescott carries the message to Concord

Lexington and Concord Shot heard around the world, April 19, 1775, beginning of the Revolutionary War Colonists had to choose sides Patriot- wanted freedom and rebelled against England Loyalist- supported British control of the colonies

EQ: Was there any possible way to avoid the Revolutionary War and achieve the same results for the colonists and England? Or was violence the only possible way to achieve independence? America the Story of Us (33:00-