Join us on a journey through the birth of the United States – when, why, and how 13 colonies became a nation.
In the mid-1700s, Britain's 13 American colonies thrived but suffered under distant rule, sparking a revolution.
Overview of the Era
In the mid-1700s, Britain's 13 American colonies thrived but suffered under distant rule, sparking a revolution.
Setting the Stage: Colonial America
The "when" of mounting tensions was the Stamp Act of 1765, which levied direct taxes on colonists without representation.
In 1765, Sparks Ignite
By 1773, laws like the Tea Act were making people angry, which led to the Boston Tea Party on December 16—a key "when" event.
From Taxes to Tea Partie
The official start of the American Revolution was the Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. This event was known as "the shot heard 'round the world."
Shots Fired in 1775
The war spanned eight grueling years, from Saratoga in 1777 to Yorktown in 1781, ending with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
Battles Rage 1775-1783
Britain imposed laws without colonial input in Parliament, a practice known as "taxation without representation," which infuriated the colonists.
No Voice, No Choice
Acts such as the Townshend Acts and the Sugar Act depleted colonial economies, which fueled the "why" behind calls for self-governance and fair trade.
Burdensome British Taxes
The colonists sought natural rights—life, liberty, and property—after being influenced by theorists such as John Locke.
Enlightenment Sparks Freedom
Resentment of British haughtiness and growing pride in colonial accomplishments combined to form a single "why" for independence.
A New American Identity
The Declaration, which outlined grievances and asserted sovereignty—the "how" of formal rebellion—was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
Declaring Bold Independence
George Washington led the Continental Army, employing alliances and guerrilla warfare—the strategic "how" of early successes.
Heroes Like Washington Lead
The victory at Saratoga in 1777 persuaded France to form an alliance with America, supplying vital troops and supplies—a momentous "how."
Saratoga Shifts the Tide
Baron von Steuben trained soldiers at Valley Forge in 1777–1778, transforming ad hoc troops into a disciplined force known as the resilient
Endurance Through Winter
The ingenious "how" in the subsequent conflict was the use of hit-and-run tactics by leaders such as Nathanael Greene to wear down British forces.
Guerrilla Warfare in the South
The pivotal "how" that put an end to significant combat occurred in 1781 when combined American-French forces trapped Cornwallis at Yorktown, forcing surrender.
Siege at Yorktown
By establishing boundaries and recognizing American independence, the Treaty of Paris in 1783 provided the diplomatic "how" that won the war.
Peace Secured in Paris
The Revolution established principles of freedom in the U.S. Constitution and promoted democracy around the world.
Legacy: America's Enduring Spirit
The Liberty Bell rang for freedom; women like Abigail Adams fought; and more than 200,000 people took up arms.
Did You Know?
The Liberty Bell rang for freedom; women like Abigail Adams fought; and more than 200,000 people took up arms.