American Revolutionary War -

: Diplomat who secured the critical alliance with France.

: Primary author of the Declaration of Independence. american revolutionary war

The conflict spanned eight years, moving from local skirmishes to an international war. Significance Lexington & Concord The "shot heard 'round the world"; first military clashes. 1776 Declaration of Independence : Diplomat who secured the critical alliance with France

: The Intolerable Acts (1774) , designed to punish Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party , led to the formation of the First Continental Congress . Significance Lexington & Concord The "shot heard 'round

The war grew from more than a decade of tension over British attempts to assert greater control after years of "salutary neglect". Key drivers included:

Adopted on July 4; formally broke ties with the British Crown. Battle of Saratoga

The revolution was the first successful colonial war for independence in modern history. It established a democratic republic based on a written and Bill of Rights , inspiring similar movements worldwide, such as the French Revolution. Expand map Revolutionary War - Timeline, Facts & Battles | HISTORY