The beginning of the American Revolutionary War is marked by the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. These conflicts were the first military engagements between British troops and colonial militias, symbolizing the escalating tensions between the British government and the American colonies. The phrase "the shot heard 'round the world" encapsulates this moment, as it signified a turning point in the colonies' fight for independence. The battles united the colonies against perceived tyranny, setting the stage for the Declaration of Independence and the eventual formation of the United States.