Who were the Minutemen?

The Minutemen were colonial militia members who were particularly noted for their ability to assemble quickly in response to threats, hence the name "Minutemen." Formed during the American Revolution, these militia units were composed of ordinary citizens who were trained to respond at a moment's notice to any British military action. This readiness was crucial during the early stages of the conflict, particularly at key events such as the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, which marked the start of armed conflict between Great Britain and the American colonies. The Minutemen symbolized the growing patriot spirit and commitment to resisting British authority, emphasizing the idea of local defense and self-reliance that characterized the revolutionary movement. Their role as quickly mobilizable fighters was essential in blunting British advances and maintaining momentum for the patriot cause.