What event is considered the first engagement of the Revolutionary War?

The first engagement of the Revolutionary War is recognized as the battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. These confrontations marked the initial armed conflict between British troops and the colonial militia. The British aimed to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord, leading to the skirmishes that ignited the revolution.

The significance of Lexington and Concord lies not only in their role as the first military actions but also in their impact on colonial sentiment. The phrase "the shot heard 'round the world" is often associated with these battles, symbolizing the start of a struggle for independence that would inspire other nations. This early conflict set the stage for a broader war that eventually led to the United States achieving independence from British rule. The subsequent battles listed, such as Bunker Hill, Yorktown, and Saratoga, occurred later in the war and played different roles in the conflict's progression and outcome.