<P> British attempts to disarm the Massachusetts militia at Concord in April 1775 led to open combat . Militia forces then besieged Boston , forcing a British evacuation in March 1776 , and Congress appointed George Washington to command the Continental Army . Concurrently , an American attempt to invade Quebec and raise rebellion against the British decisively failed . On July 2 , 1776 , the Continental Congress voted for independence , issuing its declaration on July 4 . Sir William Howe launched a British counter-offensive , capturing New York City and leaving American morale at a low ebb . However , victories at Trenton and Princeton restored American confidence . In 1777 , the British launched an invasion from Quebec under John Burgoyne , intending to isolate New England . Instead of assisting this effort , Howe took his army on a separate campaign against Philadelphia , and Burgoyne was decisively defeated at Saratoga in October 1777 . </P>
<P> British attempts to disarm the Massachusetts militia at Concord in April 1775 led to open combat . Militia forces then besieged Boston , forcing a British evacuation in March 1776 , and Congress appointed George Washington to command the Continental Army . Concurrently , an American attempt to invade Quebec and raise rebellion against the British decisively failed . On July 2 , 1776 , the Continental Congress voted for independence , issuing its declaration on July 4 . Sir William Howe launched a British counter-offensive , capturing New York City and leaving American morale at a low ebb . However , victories at Trenton and Princeton restored American confidence . In 1777 , the British launched an invasion from Quebec under John Burgoyne , intending to isolate New England . Instead of assisting this effort , Howe took his army on a separate campaign against Philadelphia , and Burgoyne was decisively defeated at Saratoga in October 1777 . </P>
who led the continental army to victory against the british and thus won american independence
who led the continental army to victory against the british and thus won american independence
George Washington
George Washington