The battles of Lexington and Concord marked the beginning of armed conflict between colonial militias and British soldiers. This engagement ignited the revolutionary movement and set the stage for further hostilities.

The Declaration of Independence formally announced the colonies' separation from Britain. It laid the ideological and political foundation for the new nation.

The phrase 'No taxation without representation' expressed the colonists' belief that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives. This sentiment became a rallying cry against unfair British tax policies.

Thomas Jefferson was the main drafting force behind the Declaration of Independence. His writings encapsulated the Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality that fueled the revolutionary cause.

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British-imposed tea tax. Colonists boarded ships and threw tea into Boston Harbor to demonstrate their opposition to taxation without representation.

The Treaty of Paris marked the end of hostilities and formally acknowledged the United States as an independent nation. It also set new boundaries and laid the groundwork for the nation's future development.

The American victory at Saratoga was instrumental in demonstrating the viability of the colonial cause, which convinced France to enter the war on the side of the Americans. French military and financial aid later proved decisive in defeating the British.

Common Sense presented a compelling argument for independence that resonated with a broad audience. Its clear and persuasive language helped shift public sentiment toward breaking away from British governance.

British taxes such as the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts, alongside strict trade restrictions, placed a heavy economic burden on the colonists. These policies disrupted local economies and were seen as exploitative, fueling widespread resentment.

The Continental Army was formed by uniting local militias composed of men from various social, economic, and geographic backgrounds. This diversity underscored the widespread support for the revolutionary cause across the colonies.

Colonial assemblies served as early legislative bodies where colonists could debate and express their opposition to British policies. Their actions laid the groundwork for the eventual demand for self-governance and independence.

France provided essential military support, funding, and naval power that complemented the efforts of the American forces. Their involvement helped level the playing field against the better-equipped British army.

James Madison played a central role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution, earning him the title 'Father of the Constitution.' His ideas and contributions were fundamental in shaping the nation's government.

The Continental Congress provided a forum where representatives from the colonies could collaborate and coordinate their resistance against British policies. This unity was essential for sustaining the extended conflict and building a collective national identity.

The Continental Congress acted as the central governing body during the Revolution, uniting the colonies under a common cause. It was responsible for coordinating military strategy, diplomacy, and resource allocation to support the war effort.

Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke introduced the concepts of natural rights and the social contract, which became central to revolutionary ideology. These ideas underpinned the colonists' demands for self-governance and were reflected in foundational documents.

The colonies were made up of various social classes, occupations, and regional differences, which together contributed to a united, albeit complex, revolutionary effort. This diversity allowed the movement to draw on a wide range of skills, resources, and perspectives.

British forces were accustomed to formal, set-piece battles rather than adapting to irregular, guerrilla-style tactics used by the colonists. This inflexibility allowed the Americans to exploit local terrain and surprise the British, ultimately contributing to key victories.

Propaganda in the form of pamphlets, newspapers, and speeches played a critical role by disseminating revolutionary ideas. These messages helped to rally and unify the colonists against British rule by emphasizing shared ideals and grievances.

The success of the American Revolution served as a powerful example for oppressed peoples around the world. It demonstrated that colonial subjects could successfully overthrow an established power, inspiring future struggles for independence and self-governance globally.