American Revolution
The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Great Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military power of its time.
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Most famous for their role in the Boston Tea Party, the Sons of Liberty used grassroots activism to push back against British rule.
While the British were often better equipped and trained, these events proved critical in ultimately securing Americans' victory in the war.
They include a spy, a poet, a guerrilla fighter—and foot soldiers who fought on both sides of the war.
The Declaration of Independence played a critical role in unifying the colonies for the bloody struggle they faced.
Washington Commands the Continental Army
Washington Commands the Continental Army
At the time of the Revolution, America had no money, no military and barely a chance at success. Even George Washington was not immediately seen as a strong military commander, often making mistakes.
3 Events That Triggered the American Revolution
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Long considered a symbol of strength, the predatory bird first appeared on the national seal in 1782.
These banners stoked the fight for independence and influenced the design of the American flag. Some are still around today.
Betsy Ross (1752-1836) became a patriotic icon in the late 19th century when stories surfaced that she had sewn the first “stars and stripes” U.S. flag in 1776. Though that story is likely apocryphal, Ross is known to have sewn flags during the Revolutionary War. She is perhaps the best-known figure from the American Revolutionary era who wasn’t a president, general or statesman.
Discover how the Stars and Stripes came into existence.
America’s earliest founding document survived war, fire, mistreatment, insects and the ravages of time prior to landing at its current home in the National Archives.
News of American independence spread remarkably fast for the 18th century.
The U.S. Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776, was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting the right to choose their government.
With the Conway Cabal and the Newburgh Conspiracy, Washington's greatest tests came not on the battlefield but from within his own ranks.
From serving as spies to organizing boycotts, women played essential roles in the war effort.
These majestic sailing vessels are living reminders of American history.
The region became a base for competing colonial powers to pick off valuable British territories and interfere in the war.
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress became America's de facto government.
Continental Congress called for two national fasting days in the year before America declared independence.
Thomas Paine was a writer and philosopher whose pamphlets "Common Sense," "The Age of Reason" and "Rights of Man" supported the Revolutionary War and other causes.
