War began in 1775 between Britain and 13 colonies over parliamentary taxes. Paul Revere's "shot heard round the world" triggered Lexington and Concord battles. Washington appointed as Continental Army leader after Second Continental Congress
13 British colonies established in eastern United States during 17th-18th centuries. Settlements extended from Maine to Georgia with 2.5 million colonists. Population doubled every generation despite disease and hardship
War lasted from 1775 to 1783 due to colonial discontent with British rule. British imposed taxes after French & Indian War to fund colonial defense. Boston Tea Party in 1773 led to Intolerable Acts and First Continental Congress
Louis XV became king of France at age five in 1715. He was initially ruled by his great-uncle Philippe II as Regent. His tutor was Cardinal de Fleury, who became his chief minister in 1726
Galleons were large sailing ships developed in Spain and Portugal. Term "galeon" originated from Venetian oared vessels in 15th century. Pedro Menéndez and Álvaro de Bazán designed definitive long-hulled galleon in 1550s
Century lasted from 1701 to 1800. Enlightenment thinking culminated in Atlantic Revolutions. Industrial Revolution began mid-century. European colonization intensified worldwide