Which two battles in April 1775 began the military phase of the American Revolutionary War?

The Battles of Lexington and Concord began the military phase of the American Revolutionary War.

The fighting took place on April 19, 1775, in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord and along the road connecting them to Boston. British regulars marched from Boston to seize colonial military supplies at Concord. Local militia confronted them at Lexington, where the first shots were fired.

The British reached Concord but encountered further resistance at the North Bridge. During the retreat to Boston, colonial militia attacked the British column from concealed positions and inflicted substantial casualties. The day transformed political conflict into open warfare.

The battles occurred more than a year before Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. They led to the creation of the Continental Army and George Washington’s appointment as commander in chief. The conflict ended with the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence.