American Revolutionary War -

Major American victory; convinced to openly join the war. 1777-78 Valley Forge

: Influenced by Enlightenment ideals, colonists championed liberty, equality, and self-governance. Timeline of Key Events american revolutionary war

The war grew from more than a decade of tension over British attempts to assert greater control after years of "salutary neglect". Key drivers included: Major American victory; convinced to openly join the war

Harsh winter quarters where the army was drilled into a professional force. Siege of Yorktown Major American victory

: Diplomat who secured the critical alliance with France.