The battle that marked the start of the American Revolution was the Battles of Lexington and Concord, fought on April 19, 1775. These battles were the first armed conflicts between American colonists and British troops, igniting open warfare in the struggle for independence. British forces aimed to seize colonial military supplies stored in Concord and capture key leaders of the Revolution. However, colonial militia units, alerted by Paul Revere and others, confronted the British, resulting in skirmishes. The confrontations demonstrated the colonists' willingness to fight for their rights and freedoms, ultimately leading to the formation of the Continental Army.