American Revolution

In 1776, 13 American colonies declared independence from Britain. This led to an 8-year war against the most powerful empire on Earth. The Americans won — and created a brand-new country with a brand-new kind of government. The ideas from this revolution are still shaping the world today.

Britain ruled the 13 colonies, but colonists had NO VOTE in the British government. So Britain made them pay taxes they did not agree to:\n\n- Stamp Act (tax on paper)\n- Sugar Act\n- Tea Act\n\nColonists said: "NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!" Meaning: we will not pay taxes if we have no voice in making the laws.\n\nBoston Tea Party (1773): colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to protest.

**April 19, 1775** — British troops march to seize colonial weapons at Concord. Paul Revere rides through the night warning: "The British are coming!"\n\nMilitia fight at **Lexington and Concord**. The first shots are fired — called "the shot heard round the world."\n\nThe Revolutionary War had begun.

On **July 4, 1776**, the colonies formally declared independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, which said:\n\n- All men are created equal\n- All have "unalienable rights" — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness\n- Governments exist to SERVE the people\n- When a government fails, people can change it\n\nRevolutionary ideas at the time — they still shape America today.

**George Washington** — led the Continental Army. Won the war. Became the first President.\n\n**Thomas Jefferson** — wrote the Declaration of Independence. Later, 3rd President.\n\n**Benjamin Franklin** — inventor, diplomat, convinced France to join the American side.\n\n**John Adams** — lawyer, diplomat, 2nd President.\n\n**Abigail Adams** — advocated for women's rights. Wrote famous letters to John.\n\n**Paul Revere** — made the famous midnight ride.

Britain had more soldiers and a better navy. How did the underdog colonies win?\n\n- **Home advantage** — Americans knew the land\n- **Washington's leadership** — kept the army together through brutal winters\n- **Surprise tactics** — hide-and-shoot fighting, not just open-field battles\n- **French help** — France sent ships and soldiers after the Battle of Saratoga\n- **British distance** — supplies had to cross the Atlantic\n\nFinal surrender: **Yorktown, October 19, 1781**. Treaty of Paris signed 1783.