The American Revolution is a period of political changes after 1763 in the thirteen British colonies of North America that gave rise to the American War of Independence against Great Britain (1775-1783). Founding episode of the American nation and the birth of the United States, the revolution manifested itself in violence against the British authorities, a war against the metropolis and social unrest.
In order to cushion the cost of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), Great Britain imposed taxes on its thirteen colonies in North America without consulting them; the American colonists protested to King George III and the Parliament of the United Kingdom, then launched a revolt which the metropolis tried to quell by sending in troops. On July 4, 1776, the representatives of the colonies meeting in Philadelphia adopted the Declaration of Independence, and, after a series of reverses by the Continental Army commanded by George Washington, the war against Great Britain turned to the advantage of the Americans. . The insurgents (in English:“insurgents”) received voluntary help from many Europeans, French, German, Polish, then from the government of Louis XVI, from Spain and from the United Provinces. In 1783, London had to recognize the independence of the United States. The new country adopted a Constitution (1787) which was inspired by the philosophy of the Enlightenment. George Washington was elected president in 1789; but the first years of the new country were marked by political opposition and social tensions.
The American Revolution created a new state, a federal republic with new institutions. It gave rise to an American nation distinct from the British people, with its founding symbols and myths. It had a major impact in Europe, particularly in France. It brought about important intellectual changes guided by Republican and Democratic ideals, which still shape American values today. It gave rise to reference texts (Declaration of Independence, Constitution), in which the rights to freedom, equality and the pursuit of happiness are affirmed. A fundamental moment in the history of the country, the American Revolution also aroused opposition between the supporters of a strong central state and those who preferred to give more autonomy to the federated states. It also caused tensions between the Founding Fathers about the place of the people in politics. The subject was subsequently the subject of numerous historiographical debates on the nature of the events and their influence in Europe. The American Revolution left a lasting mark on American culture by inspiring writers, painters and filmmakers.