The Architect of the Capitol
The American Revolution
In 1776, a year after anti-British hostility had erupted into war, the leaders of the American Colonies declared independence, forming a country based on revolutionary republican ideals. Over the next five years, the Americans, with the aid of France, defeated British forces in the Revolutionary War, forcing Britain to recognize the sovereignty of the United States in 1783.
Overview of the American Revolution
These Web sites provide a straightforward and comprehensive overview of the American Revolution. read more »
General American Revolution Resources
This section links to American Revolution resources that feature articles, biographies and other secondary material on the causes and events of American Revolution.
Top Sites for American Revolution Resources
The Library of Congress
has a number of exhibitions on the people and issues central to the revolution.
The U.S. Army Center of Military History
presents a detailed account of the Revolutionary War in its volume “American Military History.”
The Massachusetts Historical Society
examines the causes of the revolution and events leading up to Declaration of Independence in “The Coming of the American Revolution.” It provides primary sources for 15 topics, with essays explaining the context. The MHS also has a Web site for the Battle of Bunker Hill.
HistoryNet
has many articles on the revolution from publications including American History magazine and Military History magazine.
Smithsonian Magazine
features articles that examine American Revolution myths, profiles several important revolutionary figures, and addresses other topics in a series of articles.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
presents “Principles of Freedom,” a Web site that examines the period from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the aftermath of the Constitution.
Primary Sources for the American Revolution
Primary sources such as letters, diaries, contemporary news stories, and government documents are ... read more »







