American Revolutionary War - Timelines and Maps - Animated US History

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The American Revolutionary War began in 1775 due to tensions over British taxation policies, leading to the formation of the Continental Army under General George Washington and eventual French support after the Battle of Saratoga, culminating in the defeat of British forces at Yorktown in 1781 and the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Insights

  • The American Revolutionary War was fueled by escalating tensions between the British crown and its colonies due to oppressive measures like the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townsend Acts, and Tea Act, culminating in the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation."
  • The pivotal Battle of Saratoga in 1777 marked a turning point in the war, prompting France to openly support America, leading to treaties of alliance in 1778 and ultimately resulting in the surrender of British forces at Yorktown in 1781, concluding with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

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Recent questions

  • When did the American Revolutionary War begin?

    April 19, 1775

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Summary

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American Revolutionary War: From Conflict to Victory

  • The American Revolutionary War began on April 19, 1775, when British troops confronted colonial rebels in Lexington, Massachusetts, escalating into an international conflict when France joined as America's ally.
  • Tensions between the British crown and its colonies grew due to measures like the Sugar Act of 1764, the Stamp Act of 1765, the Townsend Acts, and the Tea Act, leading to the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation."
  • The First Continental Congress met in September 1774 in Philadelphia to discuss opposition to British rule, but demands for independence were not initially met, leading to the outbreak of war on April 18, 1775, when British troops marched to Concord, Massachusetts.
  • The Continental Army, led by General George Washington, was formed in June 1775, and despite early defeats, the capture of British artillery at Fort Ticonderoga shifted the balance of the fight in favor of the Americans.
  • The Battle of Saratoga in October 1777 marked a turning point in the war, leading to France openly aiding the Americans, and the signing of treaties of alliance in February 1778, with the war eventually culminating in the surrender of British forces at Yorktown in 1781 and the official end of the war with the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
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