The Revolution

George Washington completes his eight-day journey from Mount Vernon to New York City for his inauguration.

George Washington is called into service as the nation's first president.

The American victory at Yorktown; John Adams joins Benjamin Franklin in France to negotiate the Treaty of 1783.

Washington faces two mutinies; the French send their fleet to America; Cornwallis moves his army to Yorktown.

After the fall of Charleston, S.C., the Revolutionary War explodes into the Carolina backcountry.

Failing to defeat Washington, the British turn their attention southward; siege at Charleston, S.C.

Gen. Benedict Arnold turns his back on his cause and country; Washington takes his war to the frontier.

Congress begins to question Washington's leadership; Washington rebuilds his reputation by holding back the British at the Battle of Monmouth.

Benjamin Franklin tries to convince the French to join the fight against Britain; Philadelphia falls to the British; the Americans win a stunning victory at Saratoga and gain an ally in France.

Gen. Washington gambles on a brilliant yet dangerously daring stroke to save his army and America.

Dark and devastating struggles quickly challenge the 1776 independence of America.

The Battle at Bunker Hill.

Controversies and conflicts leading to war include the Stamp Act riots, the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.