From Whom Did America Gain Independence?
America gained independence from the United Kingdom (then known as Great Britain) in 1776 after the Revolutionary War. During the 18th century, the British dominated the American colonies. As dissatisfaction with trade restrictions, unrepresentative taxes, and limited self-governance grew, calls for independence intensified..
Declaration of Independence – July 4, 1776
On July 4, 1776, the thirteen American colonies declared their freedom by adopting the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. This landmark document proclaimed that the colonies were no longer under British rule and had become free and independent states. Today, Americans honor this day each year as Independence Day in the United States.
The American Revolutionary War
The struggle for independence led to the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), where American forces, with key assistance from France, fought a long battle against British troops. In the end, the colonies won the war and gained the freedom to govern themselves.
Final Recognition: Treaty of Paris, 1783
America declared independence in 1776, but Great Britain didn’t formally recognize it until they signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783. This agreement ended the war and confirmed American sovereignty while establishing the United States’ own democratic government and sense of national identity.
America’s Freedom Was Earned—And Remembered Every July 4.
