The Shot heard ‘round the world The Battles of Lexington and Concord 8.4c Explain the issues surrounding important events of the American Revolution, including declaring independence: fighting the battles of Lexington, Concord. 8.4b Explain the roles played by significant individuals during the revolutionary period, including Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, King George III, Thomas Jefferson, Marquis de Lafayette, Thomas Paine, and George Washington.

Massachusetts in Crisis After the Boston Tea Party, Britain viewed the Massachusetts colony as a rebel province. King George III decided that he must “master them (the Patriots.)”

I wish I could arouse the continent. The Intolerable Acts In order to punish Massachusetts for their rebellious ways, Parliament passed a series of laws the colonists called the Intolerable Acts. I wish I could arouse the continent.

The colonists rally around Mass. Other colonies quickly offered Massachusetts support All colonies (except Georgia) sent delegates (representatives) to the First Continental Congress

Results of the 1st Continental Congress All colonies (even Georgia) agreed to ban all trade with Britain until the Intolerable Acts were repealed. All colonies began to train troops.

Parliament responds Instead of repealing the Intolerable Acts, Parliament remains firm. Parliament increased restrictions and sent more troops

Minutemen Colonies began training militias (non-professional troops) that became known as Minutemen – because it was said that they could be ready to fight in a minute.

Spies Both side had spies, and some informed the British that Sam Adams and John Hancock were in Lexington. Also, there is a supply of militia weapons hidden in Concord.

The British are on the move. British troops head out of Boston to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock in Lexington, then to destroy the weapons in Concord.

Paul Revere The Sons of Liberty were ready for this. Paul Revere and William Dawes rode out to let their fellow Patriots know that The British were coming.

Lexington 700 British redcoats found 70 minutemen waiting. The British ordered the militia to drop their weapons. They refused

When the battle was over, 8 minutemen were dead.

Concord The British marched on and destroyed the military supplies in Concord. A battle was fought at the town’s bridge, forcing the British to retreat.

The British retreat Nearly 4000 minutemen lined the road between Concord and Lexington, raining down bullets upon the retreating British.

The War had begun Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the American Revolution

The Continental Congress Representatives from all the colonies would meet for the Second Continental Congress. They would form the Continental Army, appointing George Washington as its commander.