The Revolutionary War, fought between the American colonies and Great Britain from 1775 to 1783.
Tensions over British taxation and colonial rule were the root of the conflict. The colonists' quest for self-governance and independence resulted in the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Famous battles like Saratoga, Yorktown, and Lexington and Concord took place during the war. The United States' tenacity, guerrilla warfare, and alliances with France helped them win in 1783.
The foundation for the development of a democratic nation was laid by the Treaty of Paris, which formally recognized the United States. The spirit of liberty and the drive for independence that formed the basis of the United States are embodied in the Revolutionary War.