The Battle That Created a Republic

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April 19, 1775, marked an important juncture in not only American history, but in international history. One might even say this day is critical in the history of mankind, for this was when the American Revolution started. In the second a gunshot was fired, the nature of man, government and society would change as we know it. The creation of a republic, greater than the Romans had created, would take place; the United States of America would be born. All these changes would occur because of one fateful day in which the Battle of Lexington would start the American Revolution.
British General Thomas Gage had been preparing for an expedition into the hinterland, determined to assert royal control over Massachusetts. To reach this end he had requested 20,000 troops to supplement the 3,000 that were currently in Boston “Facts on File.” Gage however, was not the only one preparing at the time. The colonists had organized committees of correspondence to coordinate resistance efforts and to fight the Coercive Acts (Gilje). Bands of militia, known as minutemen, were formed to prepare for conflict with the addition of arms being smuggled in (Gilje). As stated in the article, “Battles of Lexington and Concord,” “On April 14, 1775, General Thomas Gage received the orders for which he had been waiting.” On this day, Lord William Dartmouth, British Secretary for the Colonies, granted permission and urged for military action to cut down a premature revolution (Gilje).
There were four key individuals involved with the Battle of Lexington. The most important person on the British side was Major General Thomas Gage. Gage served as commander in chief of the British army for over a decade and was appointed as governor of Massachusetts to enforce t...

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...tter war that lasted eight years. Although there was much bloodshed, hardship, and consequences, this war brought great things for the future. As a result of the revolution, the United States of America was formed, and is the face and arm of democracy, freedom and justice in the world. The world as it is today would not be the same, had it not been for the Battle of Lexington commencing the American Revolution.

Works Cited
Gilje, Paul A., and Gary B. Nash, eds. "Battles of Lexington and Concord." Encyclopedia of American History: Revolution and New Nation, 1761 to 1812. Revised ed. Vol. III. New York: Facts On File, 2010. American History Online. Web. 6 Nov. 2013.
Purcell, L. E., and Sarah J. Purcell. "Battles of Lexington and Concord." Encyclopedia of Battles in North America: 1517 to 1916. New York: Facts On File, 2000.American History Online. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.

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