Final answer:
The Patriot militias won an early victory against the British in the D. Battles of Lexington and Concord, which were the first engagements of the American Revolution and marked the beginning of the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Victories in the American Revolution
The Patriot militias won a surprising early victory against the British outside of Boston at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. These battles, which took place on April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. An unknown person fired the so-called "shot heard around the world," leading to open combat between the colonial militia and British forces. Not only did the militias defend the munitions at Concord, but they also effectively forced the British to retreat back to Boston. This series of skirmishes signaled a significant early advantage for the American colonies and set the stage for the establishment of the Continental Army under the command of George Washington.
The answer to the student's question is D. Battles of Lexington and Concord.