The Battles of Lexington and Concord, Part 2 | The Shot Heard ’Round the World

The shot heard around the world occurred in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. British forces arrived in Lexington, Massachusetts, that morning. Their way was blocked by 60 to 70 colonial militiamen. A shot was fired, and a battle began. British troops outnumbered the militia at Lexington and were able to continue their march toward Concord. However, the British were blocked by a much larger force of colonial militiamen on the Old North Bridge over the Concord River.

Against orders, British troops fired on the colonists, and a larger battle began. As the British retreated, colonial militia lined the route and fired on them. Within days of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, thousands of militiamen laid siege to British forces that were occupying Boston. It was the beginning of the eight-year American Revolutionary War. 

As they watch the video, students consider reasons why the British underestimated the strength of the colonial militias.