American Revolutionary War -

Final major battle; French and American forces trapped British General Cornwallis. Treaty of Paris

The conflict spanned eight years, moving from local skirmishes to an international war. Significance Lexington & Concord The "shot heard 'round the world"; first military clashes. 1776 Declaration of Independence american revolutionary war

: French aristocrat who provided leadership and tactical aid to the Americans. Final major battle; French and American forces trapped

: Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and later the first U.S. President. Final major battle

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:

Formally ended the war and recognized American independence. Key Figures