First Revolutionary Battle at Lexington & Concord (1:58)
In April 1775, when British troops are sent to confiscate colonial weapons, they run into an untrained and angry militia. This ragtag army defeats 700 British soldiers and the surprise victory bolsters their confidence for the war ahead.
Transcript
It's April 19, 1775. The sun is rising on the village of Lexington and the first battles of the Revolutionary War about to begin. 700 British soldiers marched into Lexington at daybreak. They're on their way to Concord with orders to confiscate hidden weapons. Waiting in a tavern for the British, are 77 colonial militia men, a group of untrained soldiers.
We're talking about a bunch of farmers. Very, very part-time soldiers and they're facing these impressive-looking ranks of red-coated British soldiers.
The Colonists aren't surprised to see the British. In fact, they've been warned by spies like Paul Revere who spent the night before riding through the area on horseback giving out information on British troop movements.
They're all standing there. They're all armed and nobody knows exactly what's gonna happen. And then, somebody fires. Nobody knows to this today who fired first. But once the shooting starts, then everybody, all these armed men leveled their weapons, began blasting away.
8 colonists fall dead or died and 10 more are wounded. The victorious British regroup and began marching towards Concord. In nearby Concord, the British discovered the weapon they're looking for, 3 massive cannons and smashed them. But the Colonist, confront them on the bridge just outside of town. A battle aroused. Dozens died on both sides. But here, the Colonist defeated the British who retreated back towards Boston. The Colonists can't believe they've won.
At the time, nobody realized what the significant on this skirmish was. It was Americans against British on this one war. But it turned out that this skirmish was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. It was the first step for American Independence.
Please note: This is an automated transcript and may contain transcription errors.
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