What event is considered the start of the American Revolution?

The start of the American Revolution is marked by the Battles of Lexington and Concord, which took place on April 19, 1775. These battles were the first military engagements between the colonial militias and British troops. They signified the shift from political conflict to armed resistance, as colonial forces confronted British authority directly. The phrase "the shot heard 'round the world" is often used to describe this pivotal moment, highlighting its significance in igniting a broader struggle for independence.

On the other hand, while the Boston Tea Party was a crucial event that contributed to rising tensions between the colonists and Britain, it was a protest against taxation rather than a military confrontation. The signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 formally declared the colonies' intention to separate from British rule, but it came after the revolution had already begun. The Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War in 1783, was the culmination of the conflict, marking the official recognition of American independence. Therefore, the Battles of Lexington and Concord set the stage for the revolutionary efforts that followed, making it the correct answer to signify the start of the American Revolution.