Summary
The Independence of the United States was the process by which thirteen British colonies in North America broke away from Great Britain and formed a new country. The colonists were unhappy because they had to pay taxes to Great Britain without having representation in its Parliament: "no taxation without representation".
In 1776 they signed the Declaration of Independence, which proclaimed that all men are born equal and with rights. A war against Great Britain followed, which they won with France's help. In 1787 they passed their Constitution, the first modern written constitution, with the separation of powers. George Washington was their first president.
Key points
- Thirteen British colonies became independent from Great Britain.
- The reason: paying taxes without representation in Parliament.
- In 1776 they signed the Declaration of Independence.
- They won the war against Great Britain with France's help.
- In 1787 they passed their Constitution, with the separation of powers.
- George Washington was the first president.
- It was a model for later revolutions.