This document provides background information on Paul Revere's midnight ride and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. It explains that British General Thomas Gage marched to Concord, MA to seize arms stored by the minutemen. In response, Paul Revere and William Dawes were sent to warn the countryside of the approaching British army. At Concord the British found no weapons but minutemen killed 73 British soldiers. The document then discusses the formation of the Second Continental Congress and their selection of George Washington as commander-in-chief of the new Continental Army.

1. ● Who is Paul Revere?
● If there was a revolution today would you join the
fight? Which side would you choose?
Challenge Question:
None
Objective (I Can…)
Identify how the Revolutionary War gets started
and determine if the colonies are ready for war.
Brain Quest

2. Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride

3. ●http://www.history.com/topics/american-
revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord
Battles of Lexington and Concord

4. • British General Thomas
Gage marched to
Concord, MA, in order
to seize a large supply of
arms stored by the
minutemen.
Lexington and Concord
British Gen. Thomas Gage
• Plans were also made
to arrest Patriot leaders
Samuel Adams and John
Hancock.

5. • The Sons of Liberty discovered the plot so they sent Paul
Revere and William Dawes to warn the countryside of the
arrival of the British army.

6. Minuteman statue
Concord, Massachusetts
• In Concord, Gen. Gage
found no weapons.
• However, waiting
minutemen killed 73 British
soldiers.
Liberty’s Kids: "The Shot
Heard Round the World“
(10:51)
First Revolutionary Battle
at Lexington & Concord
(1:58)

7. ● Complete the reading about Lexington and Concord and the
questions with your partner.
Close Reading

8. Second Continental
Congress
On May 10, 1775, the Second
Continental Congress met in
Philadelphia. By then, New England
militia had gathered around Boston.
John Adams suggested to Congress
that a “continental army” be made
up of troops from all the colonies.
He nominated George Washington
to lead the troops and the delegates
agreed. They unanimously elected
Washington to be the commander-
in-chief of the new Continental Army.