The American Revolution
The American Revolution (1775-1783) was the successful uprising of thirteen American colonies against British rule, resulting in the founding of the United States of America.
Anger over taxes imposed without any local political voice escalated into armed conflict, and the resulting declaration of independence would go on to influence revolutions on nearly every continent.
Taxation Without Representation
Tensions between the American colonies and Britain grew steadily over issues of taxation without representation, as colonists objected to a series of British taxes imposed without any direct colonial input in Parliament.
The First Shots
Armed conflict erupted at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, when British troops attempting to seize colonial weapons and supplies clashed with local militia, marking the beginning of open warfare.
Declaring Independence
The Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, asserting the colonies' complete break from British rule and articulating philosophical justifications for self-governance that would influence future democratic movements worldwide.
Crucial French Support
Despite early struggles, the war's outcome shifted significantly following crucial military and financial support from France, which saw an opportunity to weaken its historic rival Britain by backing the American cause.
Independence and a New Constitution
The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, formally recognizing American independence. The new nation went on to draft the U.S. Constitution in 1787, establishing the framework of federal government that remains in use today.
