Question

while enroute, the british diverted to engage a colonial militia at lexington, which had been ordered only to \fire if fired upon\ in defense of their homes. the violence at lexington and warnings sent ahead by patriots from boston prepared other militias to meet the british at concords north bridge. capable opposition from supposedly disorganized civilian militias stunned the british force, which was hounded in retreat back to boston. what did the british consider the outcome of the battles of lexington and concord? it was a victory because the british burned the concord arsenal. it was a draw because both colonists and the british lost troops. it was a defeat because the british were forced to retreat to boston.

Explanation:

The text mentions that the British force was hounded in retreat back to Boston. This shows that they were forced to retreat, which is typically considered a sign of defeat in a battle - like situation.

Answer:

It was a defeat because the British were forced to retreat to Boston.