The British military strategy of "divide and conquer" failed during the battles of Lexington and Concord due to their underestimation of colonial unity and resolve.
British commanders sought to divide and isolate colonial militias to diminish their collective power, believing that disarray would lead to an effortless victory. However, the swift mobilization of local militias revealed a robust sense of unity among the colonists. They quickly garnered support and effectively coordinated their actions to counter British advances. This setback underscored the colonies' capacity to come together in defense of their rights, ultimately weakening British attempts to establish control and signifying a pivotal moment in the conflict.