Final answer:
The initial skirmish at Lexington during the first battle of the American Revolution resulted in a retreat for the colonial militia, but the day ended as a strategic victory for the American Continental Army. Britain's first notable success came with the capture of New York City later that year.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who won the first battle during the American Revolution?
The first battle of the American Revolution was at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This was the confrontation where the so-called "shot heard around the world" was fired. While the initial skirmish at Lexington resulted in a retreat for the colonial militia, the overall outcome of the day was a strategic victory for the Americans. After the British reached Concord and completed their mission, they found themselves harassed and harried by American forces all the way back to Boston. The British suffered significant casualties, and the event galvanized the revolutionary spirit among the colonists. Thus, while the British could claim a technical victory at Lexington due to the tactical withdrawal of the colonists, the overall series of events that day was a strategic win for the American Continental Army as they managed to save the munitions at Concord and inflict heavy losses on the British during their retreat.
During this period, Britain's first notable success was the capture of New York City in 1776. However, following the early engagements, the Continental Army, under the leadership of General George Washington, would grow into a more professional and capable force, leading to important victories such as the Battle of Saratoga and the eventual victory at Yorktown. The British occupying New York City would not equate to victory in the war, as their strategy to isolate New England ultimately failed, and the entry of French support helped to turn the tide in favor of the American forces.