The Revolutionary War

The Revolutionary War. A Salute to Freedom. , A Struggle for Independence , A struggle between Great Britain and its North American colonies erupted at the height of British power in 1775. Colonial resentment over taxation was brewing strong feelings to stage a fight for independence., Many colonists were against waging war with the British kin. By 1779, more colonists were fighting for the British than with General George Washington. Despite the division of feelings about the war, 200,000 soldiers and sailors enlisted to serve in battle. American soldiers were at a distinct disadvantage to the well-funded and equipped British troops. Colonists often relied on ingenuity, surprise attacks, and camouflaging their troop positions to contend with the marching British “Redcoats”. After eight long years of bloodshed, sickness, and loss of life, the American colonists gained their freedom., The lives of 4,435 American soldiers were claimed in combat, and four times as many died from starvation and untreated infections. This great sacrifice resulted in American independence from British rule and established the early foundations of what is today the United States., A Nation for the People , Independence from Great Britain inspired the framework for the Constitution of the United States and created a nation for the people. Our Constitution is based on the premise that a nation’s power is held by all people, not a select few. The vision of the original authors provides opportunity and equality to all Americans, although upholding the concept of liberty has not always been easy. The flexibility for change intended withing the document has resulted in several amendments, including the abolishment of slavery and the advancement of freedoms of speech and religion from which we benefit today., [Timeline:] ,

September – October, 1774; The First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia, PA , April 19, 1775; The Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts mark the start of the war. , May 10, 1775; The Second Continental Congress declares themselves the government. , June 15, 1775; Congress names George Washington Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. , July 4, 1776; Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. , December 16, 1776; Gen. Washington crosses the Delaware River and captures Trenton. , June 14, 1777; Congress mandates the first U.S. flag. , October 7, 1777; The Battle of Saratoga results in the first major American victory. , September 23, 1779; John Paul Jones, aboard the Bonhomme Richar, captures British man-of-war Serapis near the English coast. , May 12, 1780; America suffers its worst defeat when the British capture Charleston, SC. , January 17, 1781; Gen. Daniel Morgan defeats British Gen. Tarleton at Cowpens, SC , October 19, 1781; British Gen. Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, VA. , June 20, 1782; Congress adopts the Great Seal of the United States of America. , September 3, 1783; The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris. , January 14, 1784; Congress ratifies the Treaty of Paris.