Alan Wakim

The need for unanimity of the colonies on the issue of independence led to tense days leading up to the signing of the country’s birth certificate.

Days before the vote on independence, a British armada attempts to restore royal authority.

Richard Henry Lee’s formal statement to Congress ignited a fierce debate that set the stage for American independence.

The complex beginnings of the Revolution.

Benedict Arnold displayed remarkable grit in Quebec against a resurgent British army determined to crush America’s hopes for a 14th colony.

Beyond the battlefields, a shadow war of secret diplomacy and foreign aid from France and Spain became the American colonies’ ultimate lifeline.

How Henry Knox’s ‘Noble Train of Artillery’ broke the siege of Boston in March 1776.

With the war at a stalemate, Britain pursued an alternate strategy: winning the war from the South. Standing in its way were the Patriots of North Carolina.

As war spread and towns burned, a blunt pamphlet ended hopes of reconciliation and challenged the legitimacy of hereditary monarchy.

The crucial year ended with some gains and losses by the American patriots. These led to the unity of the 13 colonies for the historical events in 1776.