The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years of the broader American Revolution, in which American Patriot forces organized as the Continental Army and commanded by George Washington defeated the British Army. The conflict was fought in North America, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The war's outcome seemed uncertain for most of the war, but Washington and the Continental Army's decisive victory in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 led King George III and the Kingdom of Great Britain to negotiate an end to the war.
American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada
The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years...
Events Before
British House of Lords rules authors do not have perpetual copyright
Perpetual copyright, also known as indefinite copyright, is copyright that lasts indefinitely.
Chief Justice John Jay (28) weds Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (17)
Chief Justice John Jay (28) weds Sarah Van Brugh Livingston (17)
Boston Port Act: Following the passage of the act, the British government orders Port of Boston closed to punish colonis
Boston Port Act: Following the passage of the act, the British government orders Port of Boston closed to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party
English chemist Joseph Priestley discovers oxygen by isolating it in its gaseous state
Joseph Priestley (24 March 1733 – 6 February 1804) was an English chemist, Unitarian, natural philosopher, separatist theologian, grammarian, multi-subject educator and classical liberal political...
Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the First Continental Congress i
Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the First Continental Congress in Carpenters' Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Events After
United States Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.
"Common Sense" pamphlet by Thomas Paine is published advocating American independence
Common Sense is a 47-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies.
Adam Smith publishes the influential economics book "The Wealth of Nations"
Adam Smith (baptised 16 June [O.S. 5 June] 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish economist and philosopher who was a pioneer in the field of political economy and key figure during the Scottish…
Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjami
Continental Congress creates committee to draft a Declaration of Independence with Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston as members
Continental Congress resolves "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States"
The United Colonies of North-America was the official name as used by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia for the newly formed proto-state comprising the Thirteen Colonies in 1775 and...
More from the 1770s
United States Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, announcing the separation of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.
politics government
US founding father Thomas Jefferson (30) marries Martha Wayles Skelton (23)
Martha Skelton Jefferson was the wife of Thomas Jefferson from 1772 until her death in 1782. She served as First Lady of Virginia during Jefferson's term as governor from 1779 to 1781.
Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"
Date of action in Victor Herbert and Grant Stewart's opera "Madeleine"
The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities
The London Credit Exchange Company issues the first traveler's cheques, which can be used in 90 European cities
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 17, 1775?
- The American Revolutionary War (April 19, 1775 – September 3, 1783), also known as the Revolutionary War or American War of Independence, was the armed conflict that comprised the final eight years of the broader American Revolution, in which American Patriot forces organized as the Continental Army and commanded by George Washington defeated the British Army. The conflict was fought in North America, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The war's outcome seemed uncertain for most of the war, but Washington and the Continental Army's decisive victory in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 led King George III and the Kingdom of Great Britain to negotiate an end to the war.
- Why is American Revolutionary War: the Continental Congress bans trade with Canada historically important?
- The conflict was fought in North America, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. The war's outcome seemed uncertain for most of the war, but Washington and the Continental Army's decisive victory in the Siege of Yorktown in 1781 led King George III and the Kingdom of Great Britain to negotiate an end to the war.