Revolutionary War Compass TY-001-036

The American Revolution, a major military conflict between the thirteen colonies and Great Britain, began in 1775 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. A loosely connected group of states struggled for and won the right to become a nation. As hostilities with the British began to rise, the colonists organized protection. Initially, a number of independent companies formed and began military training on their own. By 1776, the Continental Congress resolved to raise a standing army in preparation for war against England. Regiments of soldiers from each colony reported to this new Continental Army. George Washington was appointed commander in chief. On the battlefield, Washington relied on trial and error, eventually becoming a master of improvisation. Often accused of being overly cautious, he could be bold when success seemed possible. He learned to use his militia skillfully and to combine inexperienced troops with veterans to produce an efficient fighting force. To win, the Patr