O’Donnell: History Matters–The Battles of Lexington and Concord

This week marks the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. Two hundred and forty-four years ago, farmers, tradesmen, laborers, and mariners–Americans of all stripes–came to together to defend themselves against the most professional army in the world.

April 19, 1775 marked the beginning of an epic journey for a band of brothers who risked EVERYTHING for a nation yet to be born. Over the course of nearly eight years, many of these Americans marched thousands of miles, often shoeless, unpaid, and starving, to fight for freedom and liberties most Americans today take for granted. Their resolute stand matters in light of multiple current events and threats to that American liberty.

In November 1774, King George III told Lord North, the Prime Minister of Great Britain that “blows must decide whether they [colonists but hereafter referred to as the Americans] are to be subject to this country, or independent.” The Crown moved toward using force. For years, friction had been building in the provinces. Throughout the fall of 1774, General Gage’s forces conducted a number of so-called powder alarms aimed at seizing gunpowder and munitions. Black powder in the colonies was precious and had to be imported since virtually no organic production existed in North America. The Crown put in place a ban on the importation of powder and firearms.

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