British troops underestimated the resolve of colonial forces, believing that the American militias would lack the determination to effectively resist their military might.

This misjudgment became clear during the early skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, where colonial fighters displayed remarkable courage and dedication to their cause. The British anticipated a swift quelling of the rebellion, but the intense resistance they faced unveiled a robust collective determination among the colonists to defend their rights and liberties. This underestimation not only invigorated the colonial movement but also altered the dynamics of the conflict, as the British confronted a resolute and driven adversary ready to oppose them.