Final answer:
The encounter at Lexington was more confrontational than prior colonial encounters, leading to the American Revolution's outbreak with eight militiamen killed and several wounded after British troops opened fire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The encounter between British troops and rebel militiamen at Lexington was markedly different from previous colonial encounters as it was more confrontational and resulted in the first casualties of the American Revolutionary War. Before the incident at Lexington, there had been a hope on both sides for a peaceful resolution and reconciliation to address colonial grievances while maintaining Britain's relationship with the American colonies. However, tensions escalated, and the engagement at Lexington, where the British troops fired on the rebel militia, was a departure from the usual less confrontational meetings. This confrontation led to eight militiamen being killed and several more wounded. It was an incident that marked a significant escalation in hostilities and signified the beginning of open warfare, later known as the American Revolution.