American Revolutionary War

A motivating force behind the revolution was the American embrace of a political ideology called "republicanism", which was dominant in the colonies by 1775. The "country party" in Britain, whose critique of British government emphasized that corruption was to be feared, influenced American politicians. The commitment of most Americans to republican values and to their rights, helped bring about the American Revolution, as Britain was increasingly seen as hopelessly corrupt and hostile to American interests; it seemed to threaten to the established liberties that Americans enjoyed. The greatest threat to liberty was depicted as corruption. The colonists associated it with luxury and, especially, inherited aristocracy, which they condemned.
The beginning to the Revolutionary War was after Washington forced the British out of Boston in spring, 1776; neither the British nor the Loyalists controlled any significant areas. “It is matter of too great notoriety to need any proofs that the arrival of his Majesty’s troops in Boston was extremely obnoxious to its inhabitants. They have ever used all means in their power to weaken the regiments, and to bring them into contempt by promoting and aiding desertions.” They returned in force in July 1776, landing in New York and defeating Washington 's Continental Army in August at the Battle of Brooklyn in one of the largest engagements of the war. The British then quickly seized New York City and nearly captured Washington. They made the city their main political and military base of operations in North America, holding it until November 1783. New York City consequently became the destination for Loyalist refugees, and a focal point of Washington 's intelligence network.
The first engagement between the British and the Americans happened on the grassy fields of Massachusetts. General Thomas Gage ordered his men to take or destroy the American 's supply of arms and ammunition stored in Concord. He also wanted John Hancock and