The Aftermath of Lexington and Concord

Preparing For A Revolution

Interestingly, Parliament had drafted an act called the Conciliatory Proposition that would alleviate some of the burdens of taxation in the colonies by replacing taxation with “voluntary contributions”. By the time the act had been brought before the Continental Congress in May, the Battles of Lexington and Concord had already occurred and the proposition was rejected. The revolution had been stirring for a long time, with tensions rising and finally breaking into armed conflict during the Battles of Lexington and Concord. William Pitt, an American sympathizer in Parliament, rejoiced for the colonists because they had employed military force to defend their beliefs. While Pitt was pleased, Thomas Gage was shocked. Such a reaction to his arms raid was highly unexpected and cast Gage in a negative light. While the Patriots celebrated their victories at Lexington and Concord and prepared for a revolution, Gage was later shipped back to England in shame.