The American Revolutionary War (1775-1783), or the American War of Independence, was a conflict between Great Britain and its 13 North American colonies, who declared independence as the United States of America. Initially a rebellion within the British Empire, the war took on a global scope when France and Spain joined against the British, contributing to the eventual American victory.
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Definition
Timeline
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5 Mar 1770The Boston Massacre occurs; nine British soldiers fire into a crowd of American colonists, killing five and wounding six others.
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Mar 1774 - Jun 1774British Parliament passes the Intolerable Acts to punish the Thirteen Colonies for the Boston Tea Party.
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5 Sep 1774 - 26 Oct 1774The First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to coordinate a response to the Intolerable Acts.
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19 Apr 1775The Battles of Lexington and Concord kick off the American War of Independence.
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10 May 1775The Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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5 Jun 1775The Second Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition in a final attempt at reconciliation with Great Britain.
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15 Jun 1775The Second Continental Congress adopts the Continental Army, names George Washington as commander-in-chief.
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13 Oct 1775The Second Continental Congress votes to establish the Continental Navy.
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4 Jul 1776The Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence; the United States of America is established.
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Dec 1776The Second Continental Congress is forced to evacuate Philadelphia at the approach of the British army; Washington is granted near dictatorial powers.
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26 Sep 1777Philadelphia is captured by a British army; Congress flees to York, Pennsylvania.
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Nov 1777 - Apr 1778The Conway Cabal threatens to remove George Washington from his role as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army but is ultimately thwarted.
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19 Dec 1777 - 18 Jun 1778The Continental Army spends a grueling winter at Valley Forge. The supply department is reformed and the soldiers are trained, creating a more effective fighting force.
