Definition

Proper noun * The American Revolutionary War: The war (1775–1783) fought by the thirteen American colonies to gain independence from Great Britain. It is also known as the American War of Independence. The conflict began with battles at Lexington and Concord and concluded with the Treaty of Paris, which recognized the sovereignty of the United States of America.

Usage

• The term is used as the official name for the historical conflict. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."
• It functions as a singular proper noun, referring to the entire event.

Examples

• As a subject:
• As an object:
• With prepositions:

Advanced Usage

• The war is a central subject in historiography, often analyzed for its political, social, and military causes and consequences.
• In academic and formal contexts, "the American Revolutionary War" is the standard term, while "the American Revolution" can encompass both the war and the broader political and ideological movement.

Variants and Related Words

• The American Revolution: This term is broader and can refer to the entire period of political upheaval and ideological change (c. 1765-1789), which includes the war as a key component.
• The American War of Independence: A direct synonym for the war itself.
• The Revolutionary War: A common shortened form, often capitalized, used when the context is clearly about America.
• Revolutionary: (Adjective) Of, relating to, or characteristic of a revolution, such as or .

Synonyms

• The American War of Independence
• The U.S. War of Independence
• The War of American Independence

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Patriots: Colonists who rebelled against British rule.
• Loyalists (Tories): Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown.
• Continental Army: The colonial army led by George Washington.
• Declaration of Independence (1776): The document proclaiming the colonies' separation from Britain.
• Treaty of Paris (1783): The agreement that ended the war and recognized American independence.

Noun

1. the revolution of the American Colonies against Great Britain; 1775-1783