American Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War of 1775–1783 is also termed the War of American Independence. It was caused by economic, social, political, and ideological differences between Great Britain and 13 of its North American colonies. This entry focuses upon the socioeconomic consequences of the war in North America. Beginning with an overview of the conflict, this entry traces the role of economics, politics, class, social identity, religion, women, African Americans, and Native Americans during the revolutionary period.

The first shots were fired in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts, and campaigns were subsequently waged in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. However, the British defeat at Saratoga in upstate New York in 1777 paved the way for French intervention on the American side. (France sought ...