What event is commonly considered the beginning of the American Revolution?

The designation of the Battles of Lexington and Concord as the beginning of the American Revolution is rooted in their historical significance as the first military engagements of the conflict. On April 19, 1775, colonial militia faced British troops, marking the transition from political unrest and protests, such as those seen in events like the Boston Tea Party, to armed conflict. This confrontation symbolized the colonists' commitment to defending their rights and liberties against British oppression.

While the Boston Tea Party served as a catalyst for resistance and increased tensions, it did not involve direct military confrontation, and thus, it is seen more as a protest event that inflamed discontent. The signing of the Declaration of Independence, while profoundly important, occurred later in 1776 and served more as a formal statement of separation rather than the start of hostilities. Similarly, the Treaty of Paris, which formally ended the war in 1783, is an outcome rather than a starting point. The battles themselves ignited a war for independence that fundamentally altered the social and political landscape of the American colonies.