What battle is famously referred to as "The shot heard round the world"?

The phrase "The shot heard round the world" famously refers to the Battle of Lexington, which took place on April 19, 1775. This battle is significant because it marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. The encounter between the British troops and the colonial militias in Lexington was not only a pivotal moment in American history but symbolized the colonists' resistance to British rule and their quest for independence. The phrase encapsulates the idea that this single shot represented a broader cry for freedom and inspired revolutionary movements worldwide.

In contrast, the other battles listed, such as the Battle of Yorktown, primarily signify the conclusion of major conflicts rather than the initiation of revolutionary sentiment. The Battle of Waterloo is known for its role in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte, and the Battle of the Bulge is significant in World War II, neither of which relates to the foundational moments of the American struggle for independence as does the Battle of Lexington.