“The Great War Lexington and Concord When The War Began “The Great War Lexington and Concord

The British army and colonials were now at war. When the British troops arrived in Lexington, the colonial militia under Captain John Parker, was lined up on the village green. Parker had ordered his men to “stand their ground…”, but added “if they mean to have a war, let it begin here”. As the two sides watched each other, a shot apparently was fired in the distance. The British responded by firing at the militia, who returned fire. At the end of the skirmish, along with the subsequent one at Concord, 50 militia and 73 British soldiers were killed. The British marched back to Boston under heavy fire from the colonists, who practiced guerrilla warfare, meaning they were hiding behind rocks and trees. The British army had always fought in a traditional style, in the open with both sides facing each other, which made it difficult for them to effectively fight back. Eventually the British troops made it back to Charlestown after suffering many more casualties on the march. The British army and colonials were now at war. No one knows who fired “the shot heard round the world”; that began the Revolution. However, the impact of it was gigantic. While the colonists originally were fighting for an end to unfair taxation and for their rights as Englishmen, they soon found that they were fighting a war to protect the natural rights of all men in addition to gaining American independence. The British soon found that it was difficult for them to fight in the style the militia was accustomed to… guerilla warfare in which Continental soldiers rarely fought in traditional style. Instead, the militia hid in trees and behind rocks, and it was difficult for the British to engage.

The Revolutionary War began Major early battle locations Second Continental Congress Strengths and weaknesses of both sides George Washington Siege of Boston Bunker Hill

Map of locations of various battles fought in the first days of the Revolutionary War, April, 1775

Britain Colonists Strengths Well-trained and equipped army Familiarity of territory Strong central government with a strong economy Capable leadership of Washington and other generals Support of Loyalists and some Native Americans A common cause—fighting for independence

Weaknesses Britain Colonists Distance from homeland Many soldiers untrained and uneducated in military tactics Troops unfamiliar with terrain Shortages of food and ammunition Weak military leaders No central government to enforce wartime laws No common cause to rally army or British people Inferior navy

British-American Colonial Tensions Colonials British Methods of Fighting: Indian-style guerilla tactics. March in formation or bayonet charge. Military Organization: Col. militias served under own captains. Br. officers wanted to take charge of colonials. Military Discipline: No mil. deference or protocols observed. Drills & tough discipline. Finances: Resistance to rising taxes. Colonists should pay for their own defense. Demeanor: Casual, non-professionals. Prima Donna Br. officers with servants & tea settings.