The first battle of the american revolution occurred at lexington, Massachusetts in 1775. the american colonists were angry about numerous taxes issued by the british king. in 1776, thecolonists issued the declaration of indetendence, a docunent written by thomas Jeffreson that outlined america's intention to become a new coun try separate from england. england wanted to maintain control of america. and vowed to fight the colonists. the war lasted einht long years. thamericans won many important battles such as those at saratoga and Yorktown. many american heroes emerged xuch as george washington, Thomas Jefferson and benjamin franklin finally, in1783, the british surrendered at yorktown, virginia and a new nation was born.