<P> The American Revolutionary War began at Concord and Lexington in April 1775 when the British tried to seize ammunition supplies and arrest the Patriot leaders . </P> <P> In terms of political values, the Americans were largely united on a concept called Republicanism, that rejected aristocracy and emphasized civic duty and a fear of corruption . For the Founding Fathers, according to one team of historians, "republicanism represented more than a particular form of government . It was a way of life, a core ideology, an uncompromising commitment to liberty, and a total rejection of aristocracy ." </P> <P> The Thirteen Colonies began a rebellion against British rule in 1775 and proclaimed their independence in 1776 as the United States of America . In the American Revolutionary War (1775--83) the Americans captured the British invasion army at Saratoga in 1777, secured the Northeast and encouraged the French to make a military alliance with the United States . France brought in Spain and the Netherlands, thus balancing the military and naval forces on each side as Britain had no allies . </P> <P> General George Washington (1732--99) proved an excellent organizer and administrator, who worked successfully with Congress and the state governors, selecting and mentoring his senior officers, supporting and training his troops, and maintaining an idealistic Republican Army . His biggest challenge was logistics, since neither Congress nor the states had the funding to provide adequately for the equipment, munitions, clothing, paychecks, or even the food supply of the soldiers . </P>

When did the united states officially become a country