On April 19, 1775, British soldiers fired the first shots of the American Revolution, an action that led to not only the formation of a new country, but a complete radical alteration in the political ideas and institutions of our country. The war ended with the surrender of the British at Yorktown on October 19, 1781. Two years later, in 1783, Great Britain signed the Treaty of Paris, recognizing the independence of the colonies. Through the hardships of life in …showed first 75 words of 682 total…

…showed last 75 words of 682 total…meet unusual situations arising on a daily basis, to find trusted leaders, and to get 13 separate states to work together for the common cause. All this had to be done with little preparation, at a time when the danger of defeat and repercussions for rebellion and treason cast dark shadows over the land. It was the brave risk taking and decision making of the colonist that shaped the radical movement known as the American Revolution.