U.S. Revolutionary War
The U.S Revolutionary War took place between 1775 and 1783. It is also called the American War of Independence or Revolutionary War. This was a revolt against Great Britain by thirteen states, which joined in1776 to form the United States of America. It is important to note that initially, the war was limited to the colonies before it became world in 1778, pitting Britain against Spain, Netherlands, France and Mysore. This essay analyses the timeline of the war, by capturing the most significant events, which took place.
According to history, British taxes on Americans were the main cause of the war as the Americans resisted the levies. Americans held that the taxes they paid British masters were unlawful and needed to be dropped with speed. Open rebellion of the British taxation began in 17 74 after Patriot Suffolk Resolves annulled the ruling government of Massachusetts Bay. The tension arising from this move led to war breakout between the militias supporting Patriot and British troops at Lexington and Concord. This happened in April 1775. The Patriots carried on with the fight and by spring, 1776, they took over all the thirteen American colonies, before the Continental Congress announced independence on July 4, 1776.
During this time, the British were busy consolidating its forces to counter the revolt. They attacked the rebel army of George Washington, and managed to capture of New York City in 1776. Their continued saw them take over Philadelphia in 1777. British strategy was to use American loyalists whom they tried to enlist into the war. There was poor coordination within the British military, leading to its capture in 1777.
It is important to note that at the beginning of 1776, Spain, France and Netherlands began supporting the American revolutionaries by providing them with supplies, ammunition and weapons. The victory at Saratoga compelled Britain to consider self-governance for all the colonies. However, France, an interested party, joined the war to prevent the Americans from approving a compromise peace deal. Spain joined France in 1779, thwarting British efforts. France and Spain offered decisive support to Americans and diverted all British resources that came from North America.
In order to remain relevant, the British had to change tactics. For instance, 1778 saw it shift its attention to the Southern colonies. These colonies had played a major role in handing them victory when they repossessed Georgia and South Carolina in 1779 and 1780 respectively. In 1781, British forces failed to recapture Virginia after being neutralized by French naval forces, leading to the capture of about 7000 British solders. This was one of the greatest blows on Britain, as it could not continue fighting. 1782 witnessed minimal war as both sides resorted to peaceful negotiations. In 1783, the signing of the Treaty of Paris marked the end of the war, recognizing the sovereignty of the United States. This opened way for a more elaborate international peace agreement, which saw some territories exchanged. However, the involvement of France in the war had massive impact on its side, as it contributed to accumulation of huge debts that weakened her economy. This bred the French Revolution.
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