In 1775, tensions between British forces and the colonists in Massachusetts were on the rise. Disputes over taxation without representation and payment for tea destroyed in 1773's Boston Tea Party had led colonists to begin stockpiling weapons.
Where did the colonists hide their weapons?
Some patriots had run back to foorett's farm to dig up their weapons, while others hid behind trees, fences, and buildings to fire at the departing army. By the time the British found a brief respite in Lexington, the American militia was still growing.
Why did the colonists hide weapons in Concord?
The British were not looking for rebels or the leaders who were advocating resistance to the crown. They were under specific orders to seize and destroy arms and munitions believed to be hidden in the two towns. ... The British government wanted to seize the lawfully owned firearms of the colonists.
When did colonists begin to stockpile weapons in Concord?
On the night of April 18, 1775 , General Gage sent 700 men to seize munitions stored by the colonial militia at Concord.
Where did the colonists store arms weapons leading to British soldiers being sent to seize them?
On April 19, 1775, some 800 British troops were dispatched to Concord, Mass. , to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock and to seize a cache of weapons known to be stored at Concord.
Who shot the first shot of the American Revolution?
the gun carried by Captain David Brown , leader of a company of Concord minutemen, as he confronted a British force across the Old North Bridge. a British musket a soldier of the 4th (King's Own) Regiment of Foot.
Why did British soldiers fire their guns at the colonists?
The incident was the climax of growing unrest in Boston, fueled by colonists' opposition to a series of acts passed by the British Parliament . ... As the mob insulted and threatened them, the soldiers fired their muskets, killing five colonists.
How much did a gun cost in 1776?
James Whisker in Arms Makers of Colonial America, p158 states a musket cost 12 Spanish dollars or 3 English pounds and 15 shillings . Historian David Valuska in Thompson's Rifle Battalion states a plain rifle with accoutrements cost 20-30 English pounds.
Did the colonists have guns?
Only thirteen percent of colonial Americans owned a gun . Most Americans were farmers; they had no need for firearms as they did not hunt, but got their meat from domestic animals.
What was the most powerful weapon used in the Revolutionary War?
The flintlock musket was the most important weapon of the Revolutionary War. It represented the most advanced technological weapon of the 18th century. Muskets were smooth-bored, single-shot, muzzle-loading weapons.
What is the shot that was heard around the world?
“The shot heard round the world” is a phrase that refers to the opening shot of the battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 , which began the American Revolutionary War and led to the creation of the United States of America.
Did the British take the colonists guns?
On April 18, 1775 , British troops left Boston headed for the towns of Lexington and Concord. If British troops could disarm the militia, there would be less of a threat to their control. ... This is one of the reasons the Second Amendment was added to the Constitution.
Why was the Sugar Act good?
The Sugar Act also increased enforcement of smuggling laws . Strict enforcement of the Sugar Act successfully reduced smuggling, but it greatly disrupted the economy of the American colonies by increasing the cost of many imported items, and reducing exports to non-British markets.
What did the colonists do to prevent being disarmed?
What did the colonists do to prevent being disarmed? They seized British military supplies in New York . ... Some colonists sent a petition to the king of Great Britain.
Why were the colonists not surprised by the British?
Britain also needed money to pay for its war debts. The King and Parliament believed they had the right to tax the colonies . ... They protested, saying that these taxes violated their rights as British citizens. The colonists started to resist by boycotting, or not buying, British goods.
Why were the British called regulars?
Unfortunately, all wrong. First, Revere didn't use the term “Regulars” instead of “British” because most Americans still considered themselves to be British, he did so because British soldiers were called Regulars ( because they were in the regular army ).
