In April 1775 British soldiers, called lobsterbacks because of their red coats, and minutemen-the colonists’ militia-exchanged gunfires at Lexington and Concords in Massachusetts. Described as “the short head round the world,” it signaled the start of the American Revolution and led to creation of a new nation.
The American Revolution was principally caused by colonial opposition to British attempts to impose greater control over the colonies and to make them repay the crown for its defense of them during the French and Indian War (1754–63).planation:
