American Revolutionary War Books

About American Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783) was a defining conflict in the history of the United States, marking the colonies' fight for independence from British rule. Tensions had been mounting for years due to British taxation without representation, restrictions on colonial trade, and a growing desire among colonists for self-governance. The war officially began with the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 and rapidly escalated into a full-scale revolution. Key figures included George Washington, who led the Continental Army; Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence; and foreign allies such as the Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben. Major engagements included the Battle of Saratoga, which convinced France to enter the war on the American side, and the decisive Siege of Yorktown in 1781, where British General Cornwallis surrendered. The conflict was not limited to North America—it extended to the Caribbean, Europe, and the Atlantic Ocean, with Spain and the Dutch Republic also entering the fray against Britain. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially recognized American independence and ceded significant British territory to the new nation. The war had far-reaching consequences, not only establishing the United States as an independent republic but also inspiring other revolutionary movements around the world. It challenged traditional notions of monarchy, promoted Enlightenment ideals of liberty and democracy, and laid the foundation for the U.S. Constitution. The American Revolution remains a symbol of the fight against tyranny and the pursuit of self-determination.