American Revolution
Discover how the American colonies fought for independence from Britain and formed a new nation.
What is the American Revolution?
The American Revolution was a time when the thirteen American colonies decided they no longer wanted to be ruled by Great Britain. This important period in history lasted from 1765 to 1783. The colonists wanted to be independent and make their own decisions instead of following rules made by a king who lived far away across the ocean.
Key Concept
The American Revolution was the war fought by American colonists to gain independence from British rule and form the United States of America.
Causes of the Revolution
The American Revolution didn't happen suddenly. There were several important reasons why the colonists became unhappy with British rule. The main causes included:
Taxation Without Representation
Britain imposed taxes on the colonies without allowing them representation in Parliament. Colonists protested with the famous phrase "No taxation without representation!"
The Boston Tea Party
In 1773, colonists dressed as Native Americans boarded British ships and dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes.
Intolerable Acts
Britain passed harsh laws to punish Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party, which angered colonists throughout the colonies.
Timeline of Key Events
The American Revolution unfolded over many years with several important events marking the path to independence:
Major Events of the American Revolution
- 1765: Stamp Act passed by British Parliament
- 1770: Boston Massacre occurs
- 1773: Boston Tea Party protest
- 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord begin the war
- 1776: Declaration of Independence signed
- 1777: Battle of Saratoga - a turning point
- 1781: British surrender at Yorktown
- 1783: Treaty of Paris officially ends the war
Key Figures
Many important people helped shape the American Revolution. These leaders are often called the Founding Fathers of the United States.
George Washington
Commander of the Continental Army and first President of the United States. He led the colonies to victory against the British.
Thomas Jefferson
Primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He expressed the colonists' reasons for seeking independence.
Benjamin Franklin
Diplomat, inventor, and statesman who helped secure French support for the American cause.
An artistic depiction portrait of George Washington, commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
American Revolution Quiz
Test your knowledge about the American Revolution with this short quiz. Choose the best answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about the American Revolution:
History Trivia
Here are some interesting facts about the American Revolution:
Paul Revere's Ride
Paul Revere didn't actually shout "The British are coming!" during his famous ride. He would have said "The Regulars are coming!" since colonists still considered themselves British at that time.
Young Soldiers
Many soldiers in the Continental Army were very young. It was common for boys as young as 15 or 16 to serve, and some even lied about their age to join the fight for independence.
International Help
The American colonists received important help from other countries, especially France. French soldiers and ships played a crucial role in the American victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781.
