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The American Revolution
A New Flag for a New Country
The Continental Congress had called for a new flag to represent their new country. But two years later, there was still no “national standard.” While artistic renderings of Revolutionary events often include the flag, little is known about its origins – including whether it flew above a battlefield and who made the first one.
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2:10:41
Victory at Yorktown secures independence. Americans aspire for a more perfect union.
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1:53:53
The war drags on and moves to new theaters: at sea, in Indian Country, and in the South.
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1:55:38
Philadelphia falls, but the American victory at Saratoga allows France to enter the war.
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1:54:35
Washington abandons New York City and flees across New Jersey, before attacking Trenton.
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2:04:18
Washington takes command of the Continental Army. Congress declares American independence.
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1:56:09
Political protest escalates into violence. War gives thirteen colonies a common cause.