Source A: Excerpt from a Patriot account

'The day began with the alarm bells ringing, warning of the approaching British troops. The colonists prepared to defend their rights and homes.' Provenance: A Patriot's diary entry, 1775.

Source B: Timeline of the Battles

• April 18, 1775: British troops are ordered to seize colonial weapons and arrest leaders.
• April 19, 1775: The confrontations occur at Lexington and Concord.
• Mid-morning: Shots are fired at Lexington; the British march towards Concord.
• Late morning: Colonial militia confronts the British at Concord's North Bridge.
• Afternoon: The British retreat to Boston under fire, suffering losses.

Note: This timeline summarizes the main chronological events of the battles.

Source C: British Official Report

'The colonies resisted our efforts to seize their weapons, forcing us into a conflict that could have been avoided.' Provenance: British military report, 1775.

Based on the sources and your knowledge, evaluate the significance of Lexington and Concord in the start of the American Revolution. Write your answer in a paragraph, using evidence to support your view.