The Battles of Lexington and Concord<span>, fought on April 19, 1775, kicked off the American Revolutionary </span>War<span> (1775-83). Tensions had been building for many years between residents of the 13 American colonies and the British authorities, particularly in Massachusetts.</span>
The loss of New Orleans affected the Confederacy because they were no longer able to use the Mississippi River to import and export supplies.
