American War of Independence

The American Revolutionary War was fought between 1775-83. The 18th-century conflict began when representatives from 13 North American colonies of the kingdom of Great Britain sought more autonomy within the British Empire

A depiction of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, 4 July, 1776, from a painting by John Trumbull. The men standing are (l to r) John Adams, Roger Sherman Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. (Image by Bettmann/Getty Images)

Why does the United States of America celebrate Independence Day on 4 July?

The Battle of Bunker Hill

From Scots Highlanders to German soldiers: the Europeans who fought on both sides of the War of American Independence

A 'Thanksgiving Greetings' postcard. (Photo by K.J. Historical/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

A brief history of Thanksgiving

(Illustration by Jonty Clark for BBC History Magazine)

1776: the year of American independence

The 1776 American Declaration of Independence. (Image by Universal History Archive / Getty Images)

Your guide to the 1776 American Declaration of Independence

A painting depicting George Washington with British soldiers at Yorktown. In the final battle of the war at the siege of Yorktown, writes Jem Duducu, there were nearlyas many French soldiers and sailors as American rebels fighting for colonial independence. (Photo by: Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images)

American history myths: 7 things people get wrong

A portrait of Benjamin Franklin. (Photo by Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

How to negotiate an exit

Early American patriotic flag. (Visions of America/UIG via Getty images)

10 things you (probably) didn’t know about the American War of Independence

Mel Gibson in 'The Patriot'. (© Kobal Collection)

The American War of Independence: Three Films

Why did Canada not join the colonies in the American Revolutionary War? (Photo by Francis G. Mayer/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images)

Q&A Why didn’t Canada join the colonies in the American Revolutionary War?

Photo of the American flag

Q&A What was the first ‘Star Spangled Banner’?

A depiction of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, 4 July, 1776, from a painting by John Trumbull. The men standing are (l to r) John Adams, Roger Sherman Robert R. Livingston, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. (Image by Bettmann/Getty Images)

8 things you (probably) didn’t know about the Declaration of Independence