What significant event occurred on April 19, 1775?

April 19, 1775, marks the beginning of the American Revolutionary War with the first shots fired between colonial militia and British troops at the battles of Lexington and Concord. This conflict represented a pivotal moment as it symbolized the colonists' willingness to take arms in opposition to British rule and its attempts to enforce control over the colonies. The significance of these skirmishes lies in the fact that they united the American colonies in their fight for independence and set the stage for a broader conflict that would develop over the coming years. This date is often noted as the "shot heard 'round the world," which encapsulates the idea that the struggle for colonial independence would have far-reaching consequences, inspiring other nations and movements globally.