Here's How The Revolutionary War Started In Massachusetts 250 Years Ago

CBS Boston

April 14, 2025 / 8:24 AM EDT

This Saturday, April 19, marks 250 years since the start of the Revolutionary War in Massachusetts.

It began with the "Shot heard 'round the world" on April 19, 1775 in Lexington and it marked the end of a decade of simmering tension between the colonies and Britain.

You could say it started in 1763 over a cup of coffee. Following the French and Indian War, the English monarchy was heavily in debt. King George III imposed the Sugar Act, which taxed foreign imports of sugar and molasses. It also levied taxes on other items, like coffee.

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