The British
Lisa G.
The British
Click here to go to the Bibliography
Have you ever heard the phrase: The shot heard 'round the
world? Well this refers to the battle of Lexington and Concord. The battle
was between the Americans (fighting for independence) and the British
(trying to keep the colonists under control).
The battle consisted of 70 Americans and 700 British troops.
Even though the 'Americans' were out numbered, they still had the will
power to go on, possibly helping them to their victory.
The reason for the intrusion of the British on the Americans was that of to enforce the laws of Parliament. They were having trouble to keep the colonists under control after many years of ignoring them because the British government went to the colonists to tax them on almost everything, and passing laws such as the Fisheries Bill which forbid all colonies in New England from trading with other countries other than England. Other laws passed for example would be the sugar act, the molasses act, and the stamp act.
The British made a mistake by over taxing them. Because
they over taxed them, the Americans wanted independence, so the British
had to go over and remind them of the laws of Parliament.
When
the British arrived at Lexington, they found the American militia coming
after them with their muskets in their hands yelling at them to put their
guns down. They did not do so. Then suddenly, the first shot was heard,
the shot heard 'round the world. After hearing this shot, the British
started shooting back. Major Pitcairn rode on his horse among the men
(British) yelling at them to cease fire, but there was no stopping them.
Then Colonel Smith ordered a drummer boy to sound cease-fire. Finally,
the British troops were under control. Their angry Colonel reminded them
of their mission and why they were sent there.
After that, the British troops marched on to Concord. Leaving
behind 8 militia dead and 9 wounded. Even though this small 'battle' only
lasted a few minutes, the lives of every Lexington family and Americans
were changed.
The total of the British's deaths, wounded and missing
is:
Killed Wounded
Missing
Officers:
2 13 3
Sergeants:
2 7 1
Drummers:
1 0 1
Rank & File:
68 154 21
Total:
73 174 26
This Battle began the revolutionary War
Hudson, Charles. History of Lexington Mass. New
York City:
Harper Collins, 1995.
http://www.dell.homestead.com/revwar/files/LEXCON.htm
http://www.dell.homestead.com/revwar/files/OTHER.htm
