Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land, and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation. Fighting in Massachusetts ignites a war that gives common cause to thirteen otherwise disunited colonies.

Opposition in colonial North America to British policies over taxes, land, and sovereignty escalates into violent confrontation. Fighting in Massachusetts ignites a war that gives common cause to thirteen otherwise disunited colonies.

As New Englanders work to force the British Army from Boston, Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army. In July 1776, Congress declares American independence, insisting on the people's right to resist tyranny.

As New Englanders work to force the British Army from Boston, Congress puts George Washington in command of a new Continental Army. In July 1776, Congress declares American independence, insisting on the people's right to resist tyranny.

British General Howe soundly defeats General Washington at Long Island and in Manhattan, forcing the Americans to abandon New York City. After fleeing across New Jersey, Washington's army regroups before attacking an outpost at Trenton.

British General Howe soundly defeats General Washington at Long Island and in Manhattan, forcing the Americans to abandon New York City. After fleeing across New Jersey, Washington's army regroups before attacking an outpost at Trenton.

After beating General Washington in battle, General Howe takes Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee the city. But the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to openly support the United States.

After beating General Washington in battle, General Howe takes Philadelphia, forcing Congress to flee the city. But the Americans' surprising victory over General Burgoyne at Saratoga encourages France to openly support the United States.

After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the French-American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South. The British take Charleston.

After Valley Forge and Monmouth, the French-American alliance changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England and in the Caribbean, while armies advance in Indian Country and the South. The British take Charleston.

British General Cornwallis struggles to pacify the southern states. Supported by the French, Washington wins the decisive victory at Yorktown. With independence secured, Americans aspire for a more perfect union.