Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Date and Context

  • Date: April 19, 1775
  • Context: These battles marked the beginning of armed conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies.
    • The conflict arose after the imposition of the Intolerable Acts, which restricted colonial liberties and aimed to quash dissent against British rule.

Background Information

  • Following the Intolerable Acts, Bostonians engaged in illegal activities including the collection of weapons and gunpowder to prepare for conflict.
  • Concord, Massachusetts became a key storage location for military supplies.
  • The British authorities learned of these activities and planned to confiscate the weapons.

Key Events Leading Up to Battles

  • Warning to the Colonists:
    • Paul Revere was tasked with alerting the colonists of the British advance to seize their weapons.
  • Rebel Leaders at Risk:
    • The two rebels targeted for capture were Samuel Adams and John Hancock.
    • Both leaders successfully evaded British capture.

Distinction Between Battles

  • Battle of Lexington:
    • Primarily undertaken to delay British troops and showcase colonial resistance.
  • Battle of Concord:
    • Characterized by more organized and fierce fighting, described as guerrilla warfare.
    • Contradicted the British advance and demonstrated colonial resolve.

First Continental Congress

  • Date of Meeting: September 5, 1774
  • Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Delegates: All colonies except Georgia participated. Key figures included:
    • John Adams (MA)
    • George Washington (VA)
    • John Jay (NY)
  • Objectives:
    • To organize a resistance against the Intolerable Acts.
  • Outcome:
    • The Congress issued a Declaration of Rights, reaffirming loyalty to the British Crown but denying Parliament's right to tax the colonies without representation.
    • Implemented Articles of Association, calling for a boycott of British goods starting December 1, 1774, unless grievances were redressed.
    • The Congress planned to reconvene on May 10, 1775, if their concerns were unresolved.

Second Continental Congress

  • Date of Meeting: May 10, 1775
  • Significance: Members of the Second Continental Congress were prominent leaders.
    • Included returning members from the First Continental Congress and new influential figures:
    • Thomas Jefferson (VA)
    • Benjamin Franklin (PA)
    • John Hancock (MA), elected as President of the Congress.
  • Military Actions:
    • Accepted the Continental Army surrounding Boston as the formal military force and appointed George Washington as Commander in Chief.

Battle of Bunker Hill

  • Significant Aspect: Although British forces took the ground, the battle demonstrated American resilience.
  • Battle Dynamics:
    • British forces made multiple attacks uphill against advised tactics to "wait until you see the whites of their eyes" before firing.
    • The Americans faced ammunition shortages, ultimately leading to retreat despite earlier successes in repelling British advances.
  • Congressional Response:
    • Post-battle, the Congress remained hopeful for peace and prepared to send further appeals to Britain.
    • Showed signs of evolving towards a national government through coordinated military efforts.

Strategic Decisions Made by Congress

  • Decision to send a letter to King George III seeking reconciliation and acknowledgment of grievances.
  • Important to maintain communication among the colonies.

Implications of the Battles and Congress Actions

  • The outcome of these early battles and Congress decisions impacted the revolutionary sentiments throughout the colonies.
  • Political positions began shifting with more delegates recognizing military action as a valid response to British aggression.

Selection of George Washington

  • Reasons for Selection:
    • Washington was viewed as a unifying figure essential for garnering Southern support, as most forces at the time were New England based.
    • Praised for his military reputation, self-control, and judgment in leadership.
  • Unanimous Election: Washington’s name was received positively, confirming his selection after a brief recess for Congressional discussion.