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War army
armed conflict between Great Britain and thirteen of its North American colonies, which had declared themselves the independent United States of America.[N 1][22] Early fighting took place primarily on the North American continent. -
Independence
the Continental Congress formally voted for independence, and issued its Declaration on July 4.[24] However, it was not until August 2, 1776 that the Declaration of independence was taken into place and first signed by Delaware -
North america voted to end offensive operations
The defeat at Yorktown finally turned the British Parliament against the war they voted to end offensive operations in North America. The war against France and Spain continued, with the British defeating the long siege of Gibraltar, and inflicting several defeats on the French -
British captured
British forces moved through Virginia and settled at Yorktown, but their escape was blocked by a French naval victory in September. Led by Count Rochambeau and Washington a combined Franco-American army launched a siege at Yorktown and captured more than 8,000 British troops in October. -
British form an alliance with patriots slaves
The British governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issues a proclamation offering freedom to any slaves of rebellious Americans who are able to enter British lines. Throughout the course of the war, tens of thousands of African Americans will seek their freedom by supporting the British. A smaller number will fight on the patriot (pro-independence) side, despite policies that discourage their enlistment. -
War breaks out
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The news of the bloodshed rockets along the eastern seaboard and thousands of volunteers converge on Cambridge Mass. These are the beginnings of the Continental Army.