Before Paul Revere’s famous Midnight Ride on April 18, 1775, there was a lesser-known revolutionary crisis that led to the battle. This was when the British attempted to capture the colonial stockpiles in Concord, Massachusetts. This was caused by Joseph Warren who warned Paul about the British plan and allowed the colonial militias to make the necessary preparations to keep the stockpiles safe. This also allowed the colonial militias to win their first victory against the British.
The Revolutionary Crisis in Concord
By 1775, America was a hotbed of revolution as tensions between colonists and the British continued to grow. There were skirmishes, murders, and boycotts. While there was no war, violence looked to be on the horizon. Both sides seemed to understand this and began taking steps to prepare for the conflict.
The British had secretly planned on seizing the weapons and ammunition stationed around Concord, Massachusetts. These were used by the colonial militias and were meant to deny them the means to fight. By taking these positions, the British hoped to deny the revolutionaries the means to fight and strengthen their position.
Despite the secrecy, the word did get out and one of the locals, Joseph Warren who led the Massachusetts Patriots learned about it. He dispatched letters to major figures across Boston including Paul Revere and informed them about the plan. This Revolutionary Crisis spurred the people into action and led to the famous Midnight Ride where Paul Revere rode through the night, warning the militias in Lexington and Concord. His midnight alarm allowed the colonists to prepare.
The revolutionary crisis turned into a battle as the militias ambushed the British armies during the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775.
A part of this letter can be seen below.
“The British forces are making preparations for an expedition which they mean to carry out in a few days. Their destination is the public stores in Concord. The time for secrecy is over, the time for action is upon us. Warn our brothers in arms, let the alarm be sounded.”
Joseph Warren, American Revolutionary Leader.
Despite this success, the British would strike in the Battle of Long Island where George Washington was defeated and forced to retreat.
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