Break the timeline of April 18, 1775—and make students prove how one captured rider could have changed the American Revolution.

This activity blends factual review with structured alternate-history reasoning. Students first establish what actually happened at Lexington and Concord using the Battle of Lexington article. Then they introduce one key change: Paul Revere is arrested before delivering his warning.
 
Working in small groups, students rebuild the timeline step by step. Would Hancock and Adams be captured? Would the militia assemble in time? Would the British reach Concord unopposed?

 
What’s Included
Structured two-part student worksheet
Timeline reconstruction activity
Guided “timeline shift” scenario questions
Evidence-based prediction prompts
Teacher guide
Sample answers and alternate timeline examples
 
What Students Will Learn
Explain the events of Paul Revere's ride and the Battle of Lexington & Concord
Explain why secrecy and early warning was critical for the events leading up to the Battle of Lexington
Analyze how small moments can reshape larger outcomes
Use evidence to support historical inferences (what ifs)
Strengthen cause-and-effect reasoning within revolutionary context
 
Grades: 8–12
Duration: 1 Class Period 
DOK Level: 2–3
Format: Printable Activity