When war broke out in 1775 between the American colonies and Great Britain, both sides faced big challenges. The first fighting took place in the northern theater, including battles at Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill. These early clashes revealed the strengths, weaknesses, and strategies that would shape the Revolutionary War.

Different Goals, Different Plans

The British and the colonists entered the war with very different plans. The British strategy was to quickly crush the rebellion by capturing major cities and cutting off New England from the rest of the colonies. They believed most colonists would stay loyal once the leaders of the rebellion were defeated. British generals planned traditional, organized battles, using their highly trained army and strong navy.

The Patriot strategy was to hold out and defend their land. They didn’t have the money, weapons, or training to match the British army head-on. Instead, they used small militias, fast movements, and knowledge of the land to surprise the enemy. Their goal was not to win every battle, but to keep fighting long enough to wear down British forces and gain support.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The British had major advantages. They had the world’s strongest army and navy, more money, and well-supplied soldiers. Their troops were trained in formal battlefield tactics and followed a clear chain of command. But they also faced problems: they were far from home, unfamiliar with the land, and had to move supplies and soldiers across the ocean. These long supply lines made it harder to respond quickly.

The Patriots had fewer resources, but they had strong motivation—they were fighting for their homes and freedoms. They knew the terrain and had support from local communities. Instead of fighting in straight lines, they often used hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and defensive positions. Local militias could gather quickly and disappear just as fast.

Lexington and Concord: A Test of Readiness

In April 1775, British troops marched from Boston to seize weapons in Concord. At Lexington, they were met by colonial militia. No one knows who fired the first shot, but it became known as the “shot heard 'round the world.” The British were forced to retreat back to Boston under constant fire from Patriot militias. This early clash showed that the colonists were better organized and more determined than the British expected.

Bunker Hill: A Costly Lesson

In June 1775, British forces attacked Patriot defenses on the high ground near Boston. The Battle of Bunker Hill, mostly fought on Breed’s Hill, was a British victory—but at a huge cost. The Patriots, although low on ammunition, caused heavy British losses by defending from strong positions. British troops had to attack three times before forcing the Patriots to retreat. The battle showed that the colonists could fight effectively, but also that they were vulnerable when they lacked supplies. Many Patriots saw this as both a sign of their strength and a warning of what they would need to win future battles.

Why Strategy Mattered

These early battles proved that the war would not be quick or easy. The Patriots showed they could challenge British troops through smart tactics and local support. But they also saw how their weaknesses—like lack of weapons and training—could hurt them in longer fights. The British learned that defeating the colonies would require more troops, more time, and a different approach. These first conflicts shaped how both sides prepared for the long struggle ahead.

Source: The War Begins: Early Battles and Strategies
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