Final answer:
Historical battle details are often uncertain due to the chaotic nature of conflict, varying perspectives, and the loss of evidence over time. Preemptive actions like those taken by the Continental Congress, such as preparing for conflict, were often made in anticipation of hostilities and in recognition of the need to establish defenses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Details such as who attacked Private Montgomery or who ordered the troops to fire are uncertain because historical accounts of battles can vary due to chaos, limited perspective, and the passing of time which obscures evidence. When soldiers like Major General Andrew Jackson are involved in conflicts like the defense of New Orleans, they might face challenges such as distinguishing enemy combatants from civilians, as in the case where Marines felt threatened and unable to distinguish due to enemy fighters in civilian clothes.
The Continental Congress preemptively created an army and began preparing for war before George III responded to the Olive Branch Petition because they anticipated conflict and recognized the need for defensive preparations against British forces.