How did the continental army fare in the early battles of the war?

The Continental Army did not inflict major defeats or gain the upper hand with the British necessarily, however, the early battles were important in terms of the political impact they had on increasing support for the revolution and breaking the seal by initiating all out conflict against the British. The early battles led to increased recruitment of soldiers for the army and helped to propel the revolutionary movement and the military activities forwards. 

Because broadest terms allows the law flexibility depending on changing society and circumstances.