* The United States declared its independence from Great Britain on July 4.
* The Revolutionary War began.
1777:
* The Continental Army, led by George Washington, defeated the British at the Battle of Saratoga.
* This victory convinced France to enter the war on the side of the Americans.
1778:
* The United States and France signed the Treaty of Alliance.
* This treaty provided the Americans with much-needed military and financial assistance.
1779:
* Spain entered the war on the side of the Americans.
* The British surrendered at the Battle of Yorktown.
* This victory effectively ended the Revolutionary War.
1783:
* The United States and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris.
* This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the United States as an independent country.