The American Revolution (1775-1783): A History

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The American Revolution (1775-1783)

Origins of the War

The American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was fought between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies, which ultimately founded the United States of America. The war stemmed from the resistance of many Americans to taxes imposed by the British Parliament, which they deemed illegal.

The Boston Tea Party

A pivotal event in the escalating tensions was the Boston Tea Party, a political protest that took place in Boston on December 16, 1773. Rebels disguised as American Indians boarded ships carrying tea and destroyed an entire shipment sent in defiance of the Tea Act of 1773. They threw the tea into Boston Harbor, ruining it. The British government responded harshly to this act of defiance.

The Path to Independence

Open rebellion against British authority began in 1774 when Patriots overthrew the royal government of Massachusetts and initiated a boycott of imported goods from Britain. The escalating tension led to armed conflict between Patriot militia and the British army at Lexington and Concord in April 1775. By the spring of 1776, the Patriots had gained control in all thirteen colonies, and on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared their independence.

The War's Turning Points

The British assembled a large army to quell the revolt. They defeated the American army, commanded by George Washington, capturing New York City in 1776 and Philadelphia in 1777. However, Washington's forces persevered. Poor coordination within the British army led to the surrender of a British army following the Battles of Saratoga. France, Spain, and the Dutch Republic had been secretly supplying the revolutionaries with weapons and supplies since 1776. France formally entered the war in 1778, aiming to prevent the Americans from accepting a peace agreement with Britain. Spain followed suit in 1779. The involvement of France and Spain proved decisive, diverting British resources away from North America.

The Road to Peace

After 1778, the British shifted their focus to the southern colonies, recapturing Georgia and South Carolina in 1779 and 1780. In 1781, British forces attempted to gain control of Virginia, but a French naval victory near Chesapeake Bay paved the way for a Franco-American siege at Yorktown, resulting in the capture of over 7,000 British soldiers. This defeat significantly weakened Britain's resolve to continue the war. Limited fighting continued throughout 1782 while peace negotiations commenced.

The Treaty of Paris and its Aftermath

In 1783, the Treaty of Paris formally ended the war and recognized the independence of the United States. The newly established nation's territory extended roughly from what is now Canada to the north, Florida to the south, and the Mississippi River to the west. A broader international peace agreement was also reached, involving the exchange of several territories. The costly war left France deeply indebted, a factor that would contribute to the outbreak of the French Revolution.

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