The American Revolution: 12 things to know

Great Britain places unfair taxes on colonists

Colonists protest with Boston Tea Party

Congress appeals to King George III

Paul Revere warns of British approach

First shot of American Revolution is fired

Great Britain wins at Bunker Hill

Congress approves the Declaration of Independence

George Washington heads the army

Continental Army spends winter at Valley Forge

British surrender at Yorktown

Treaty of Paris brings end to war

States are united under the US Constitution

12 key dates.