The Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Olive Branch Petition: Cause and Effect

The Battle of Lexington

In the same way that Luke Skywalker from Star Wars was a rebel leader, Samuel Adams and John Hancock led the American Revolution. The British army marched to Boston to capture them, plus to destroy the weapons and ammunition of the Colonists.

Cause: Paul Revere and a couple colonists rode ahead on steeds to warn the local militia about the British army.

Effect: Sam Adams and John Hancock escaped and the local militia had time to hide their weapons and ammo.

The Battle of Lexington wasn't a very big fight, but still it's important, because it's sparked the Revolutionary War. The leader of the colonists was Captain John Parker. When the British arrived in Lexington led my Major John Pitcairn, their were only eighty militiamen in the town. Neither side expected to fight, but a gunshot when off by accident and the British attacked. Most of the colonists were injured of worse, killed, while the British troops won victory. A few colonists fled on foot or horseback.

The Battle of Concord

When the Americans fled Lexington, the British marched to Concord. They met little resistance while searching the city for weapons and ammo. Little did they know the Americans were hiding in the outskirts of town. Watching the British from the other the side of the North Bridge, they waited as more American militia showed up. Once the American force grew stronger, they crossed the North Bridge back to Concord. Eventually, they defeated the British.

Cause: By being brave and not giving up, the Americans were clever, and their forces grew as they waited patiently across the North Bridge.

Effect: The Americans defeated the British and became more confident. The British Commander, Colonel Francis Smith realized the American resistance was growing, and retreated. As they began the long march back to Boston, American forces grew and began to attack and harass the British. 174 British soldiers were wounded and 73 died. In comparison, the Americans had lost 49 men and 41 were wounded. Around 15,000 American militiamen surrounded the city of Boston the day after the two battles happened.

Olive Branch Petition

Thomas Jefferson drafted the first Olive Branch Petition, but John Dickinson worried it might offend King George III. As a result, Dickinson decided to reject independence, and stated the colonies wanted to discuss trade and tax regulations with Great Britain. He asked the King for the same trade laws and taxes as people who lived in England, or none at all. When the Philadelphian delegates learned King George the third would not accept their Petition, they began writing the Declaration of Independence instead, leading them to the Revolutionary War. King George believed the colonists were rebels that formed an illegal congress.

Cause: King George III's rejection of the Olive Branch Petition

Effect: The Revolutionary War

Cause: The Battles of Lexington and Concord

Effect: Signaled the start of the American Revolution

British Retreat from Concord

Battle of Lexington and Concord

Here is what the Olive Branch Petition said
"We beg leave further to assure your Majesty that notwithstanding the sufferings of your loyal colonists during the course of the present controversy, our breasts retain too tender a regard for the kingdom from which we derive our origin to request such a reconciliation as might in any manner be inconsistent with her dignity or welfare. These, related as we are to her, honor and duty, as well as inclination induce us to support and advance; and the apprehensions that now oppress our hearts with unspeakable grief, being once removed, your Majesty will find your faithful subjects on this continent ready and willing at all times, as they ever have been with their lives and fortunes to assure and maintain the rights and interests of your Majesty and of our Mother Country." 

The King threw away the petition but it is important to American Independence. The colonists realized they had to give the King whatever he wanted-just the way he did or break free. Petitions are still important in the U.S.