The American Revolution was a pivotal conflict that took place between 1775 and 1783, culminating in the thirteen American colonies gaining independence from British rule and establishing the United States of America. Initially, the conflict arose from mounting tensions between the colonies and the British government over issues such as taxation without representation and violations of colonial charters. The Stamp Act of 1765, the Townshend Acts of 1767, and the Tea Act of 1773 were among the key legislative acts that ignited colonial dissent.
The armed conflict began in April 1775 with skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, between colonial militias and British troops. The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia in May 1775, eventually appointing George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. For the first year of the conflict, both sides hesitated to declare a complete break, but the publication of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" in January 1776 galvanized public opinion for independence. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson.
The revolution was marked by several major battles, including those at Saratoga, Trenton, and Yorktown. Foreign aid, notably from France, played a critical role after the American victory at Saratoga in 1777, a turning point that convinced France to openly support the American cause. The war came to a formal end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing the United States as an independent nation and ceding territory from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River.
The revolution had a profound impact not only in North America but also across the world, setting precedents for democratic governance and inspiring subsequent independence movements. It challenged traditional notions of authority and governance, replacing monarchy with a republic and establishing a constitution that has been a model for democratic countries worldwide. The war also exposed social issues, including questions about slavery and the status of women, that would continue to be addressed in the coming decades and centuries. It fundamentally reshaped the political and social landscape of North America and gave birth to the United States of America, a nation that would grow to play a significant role in global affairs.
ContinentsCountriesCountries in North America: