The American Revolution “The war of independence waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a fledgling, largely disconnected nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.”

Fast Facts The American Revolution, also known as the Revolutionary War and U.S. War of Independence, began in 1775.The American Revolution, also known as the Revolutionary War and U.S. War of Independence, began in The thirteen North American colonies wanted independence from England.The thirteen North American colonies wanted independence from England. The war began with the battles at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts in April 1775.The war began with the battles at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts in April The colonies strongly objected to the control exerted by the British government and its attempt to pass certain laws, enforce taxes, and increase its control over the colonies.The colonies strongly objected to the control exerted by the British government and its attempt to pass certain laws, enforce taxes, and increase its control over the colonies.

Fast facts Continued The colonies had no form of central government when the war began; hence, delegates from all colonies were sent to form the first Continental Congress.The colonies had no form of central government when the war began; hence, delegates from all colonies were sent to form the first Continental Congress. Members of the Continental Congress wrote a letter to King George of England outlining their complaints and declaring their independence.Members of the Continental Congress wrote a letter to King George of England outlining their complaints and declaring their independence. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. With help from the French, the Continental Army forced the British to surrender at Yorktown, Virginia in 1779.With help from the French, the Continental Army forced the British to surrender at Yorktown, Virginia in The war formally ended in 1783.The war formally ended in 1783.

How it all started Colonists protested attempts by the British government to raise revenue by taxing the colonies. The colonists especially resented their lack of representation in Parliament and demanded the same rights as other British subjects.

The boston Massacre (1770)

Boston Tea Party (1773)

First Continental Congress (1774)

BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL (1775)

Second Continental Congress (1776)

BATTLE OF SARATOGA (1777)

tREATY OF PARIS (1783)

Important quotes “No taxation without representation.” “The British are coming, the British are coming.” – Paul Revere “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” – Patrick Henry “All men are created equal and have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – Declaration of Independence

How it all happened history/videos/american-revolution

Your turn! During the First Continental Congress, the American delegates wrote a list of grievances against King George of England and the British crown. Imagine you are the subject of an authoritarian and tyrannical leader (maybe a particular teacher, a parent…). Write your own list of grievances (a list of five or six will do). What problems do you face? How is your freedom limited? What can change? BE CREATIVE!