The phrase "The shot heard 'round the world" is associated with the opening battle of the American Revolutionary War, specifically the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. These confrontations marked the beginning of armed conflict between colonial militias and British troops. The phrase signifies not only the start of the American quest for independence but also the broader implications of resistance against tyranny. It reflects the idea that the struggle for liberty resonated far beyond the immediate area, inspiring other nations and movements against colonial rule worldwide and igniting a sense of revolutionary fervor in many.