On April 19, 1775, the first battle on the road to the revolution occurred. During this time, there was much tension between the American colonists and the British. Those who are called loyal, were those who remained loyal to the king. Those who are called rebels, opposed the British laws. These two sides met and fought at the Lexington and Concord Battle. Who instigated the fire? No one really knows, one can only choose sides but one can not be sure. Americans see it one way and the British see it a different way. The Americans will always believe their own version, and the British will keep on believing their version.
On the eve of April 19, General Thomas Gage sent his British soldiers to Lexington to destroy military stores and rebel leaders, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. The two sides met at the Lexington green, and the British were more equipped than the Americans were. Then there was a shot. After this shot, the British immediately began to fire at the Americans, killing 8 and wounding 10. The Americans ran away from the fire because they knew they were outnumbered. The British then started to make their way towards Concord. The two groups met again on the Concord North Bridge, this time the Americans were prepared. Once the shots started, the Americans did not hold back this time. This was such a powerful move, that Emerson stated:.
.
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,.
Their flag to April's breeze unfurled,.
Here once the embattled farmers stood,.
And fired the shot heard round the world".
At the Lexington Green, the first shot is said to be by the Americans. The British said they fired the first shots, and that the shots wounded one of their men and wounded Officer Pitcairn's horse. Because of this the British claimed that they fired back in return of the shots fired at them. If they were about to engage in war and were prepared to fight against the Americans, then it is only natural that they react the way they did, firing back at the first shots.