Ace the 2026 U.S. History STAAR – Conquer Texas with Knowledge!

The phrase "Shot heard around the world" refers specifically to the opening shots of the American Revolutionary War, which were fired on April 19, 1775, at the battles of Lexington and Concord. This expression captures the significance of these initial confrontations, symbolizing the start of a conflict that would resonate beyond the American colonies and impact global history. It is attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson, who used it in a poem reflecting on the events, highlighting how the struggle for independence sparked a larger movement for liberty and democracy. Thus, this phrase conveys both the immediacy of the conflict and its far-reaching implications, making it the most appropriate answer.