What was the name of the first battle of the American Revolution?

The first battle of the American Revolution is known as the Battle of Lexington. This conflict took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the beginning of open armed conflict between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain. The battle featured a confrontation between British troops and colonial militia, signaling the start of the revolution.

Lexington is significant not just as the first military engagement, but also for its symbolic meaning; it embodied the growing desire for independence among the colonists. The phrase "the shot heard 'round the world" is often attributed to this battle, highlighting its importance in the context of global history.

In contrast, while the Battle of Bunker Hill was a crucial early battle in June 1775 that showed the colonists' determination and capability, it occurred after Lexington. The Battle of Concord, which followed shortly after Lexington on the same day, is also significant for its role in the Revolution, but Lexington was the very first confrontation. The Battle of Saratoga, which took place in 1777, is considered a turning point in the war and helped secure French support for the colonists, but it happened much later than the opening engagements.