The Ride of Paul Revere
On the night of April 18, 1775, a man named Paul Revere made a dangerous journey. He rode his horse through the countryside near Boston, Massachusetts. His mission was to warn the American colonists that British soldiers were coming. This night became one of the most famous events in American history.
Paul Revere was a silversmith. He was also part of a secret group called the Sons of Liberty. This group did not like how the British government treated the American colonies. The colonists had to pay taxes but had no voice in British decisions. Many people were angry and wanted change.
Revere and his group knew that British troops were planning to march from Boston to Concord. Their goal was to take away weapons and arrest leaders of the colonists. The Sons of Liberty needed to act quickly to alert the local militia—groups of citizen soldiers who would defend their towns.
That night, Revere and two other riders, William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, set out in different directions to spread the message. Paul Revere rode fast, stopping at every house along the way. He shouted, “The British are coming!” His warning helped the militia prepare for the battle.
Along his route, Revere was stopped by British soldiers and captured. He was held for a short time but then released. Although he did not reach Concord, his ride made a big difference. The colonists were ready the next morning when the British arrived in Lexington. The first shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired. This was the beginning of the colonies’ fight for independence.
Paul Revere’s ride is remembered as a brave and important act. His warning helped the colonists defend themselves and showed that ordinary people could change history.
Vocabulary List
Here are important words from the story. Try to guess the meaning first, then check the definitions.
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Journey
A trip or travel from one place to another.
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Dangerous
Not safe.
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Courage
The ability to do something brave.
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Colonists
People living in the American colonies.
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Mission
An important task or job.
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Soldiers
People in the army.
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Secret
Not known by others.
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Taxes
Money people pay to the government.
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Militia
A group of regular people trained to fight in emergencies.
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Alert
To warn someone of danger.
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Route
The path or road taken to get somewhere.
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Captured
Taken by force.
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Released
Let go or set free.
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Independence
Freedom from control by others.
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History
Events from the past.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the story "The Ride of Paul Revere."
- Who was Paul Revere and what was his job?
- What group did Paul Revere belong to?
- What message did Paul Revere spread during his ride?
- Why were the British soldiers coming to Concord?
- What happened to Paul Revere during his ride?
- Why is Paul Revere’s ride remembered as important in American history?