The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution: Causes and Timeline | HISTORY

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November 15

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October 26

1764

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1783

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May 24

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September 1

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January 20

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March 30

The “shot heard round the world”—the opening salvo of the American Revolution, fired at the Battles of Lexington and Concord—got 1775 off with a bang. Before the year was out, the Second Continental Congress had appointed George Washington to command the troops and Benjamin Franklin to run the post office. Meanwhile in France, King Louis XVI was crowned, likely unaware that he’d one day face his own revolution—and the guillotine.

1775

Though overshadowed by 1776, 1777 would be a momentous year for American patriots. Victory over British troops at the Battle of Saratoga became an early turning point in the war for independence. The Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the new nation’s flag and the Articles of Confederation as its first constitution. The 19-year-old Marquis de Lafayette arrived from France to join the fight. Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal concluded a two-year conflict over their own colonies in the Americas.

1777

1779

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September 23

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March 20

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December 10

1778

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August 1

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November 1

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April 23

The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in 1774, with 12 of the original 13 colonies in attendance, and agreed to a boycott of British goods. Louis XVI became king of France, beginning a reign that would end in 1793 with the French Revolution and his execution by guillotine. In England, scientist, philosopher and theologian Joseph Priestly discovered oxygen gas as one component of air.

American Revolution ‑ This Day In History

King George refuses Olive Branch Petition

King Louis XVI receives U.S. representatives

King George III speaks to Parliament of American rebellion

King George endorses New England Restraining Act

Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen

John Wilkes expelled from British Parliament

John Paul Jones wins in English waters

John Paul Jones sets sail

John Jay is elected president of the Continental Congress

John Paul Jones leads American raid on Whitehaven, England

John Hanson, so‑called first president, dies

John Hancock becomes president of Congress