Which 1775 battles are commonly identified as the opening military clashes of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord are commonly identified as the opening military clashes of the American Revolutionary War.

The fighting took place in Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. British soldiers marched from Boston toward Concord to seize colonial military supplies, but colonial militia mobilized after an alarm spread through the countryside. The first confrontation occurred on Lexington Common, followed by fighting at Concord and along the British retreat.

The encounters began the armed conflict between the colonial resistance and British forces. They followed years of political tension, including disputes over taxation, representation, and the extent of Parliament’s authority. The battles also led to the Siege of Boston and the formation of the Continental Army.

The phrase “Lexington and Concord” names the connected series of engagements rather than a single battle. The Battle of Bunker Hill followed on June 17, 1775, making it an early major battle but not the opening clash.