European settlers establish colonies along the eastern coast of North America, with the first successful English colony at Jamestown in 1607 and the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1620.

The British impose various taxes and laws, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, leading to growing resistance among the colonists.

The Continental Army, led by George Washington, fights against British forces. Key battles include Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, and Yorktown, where the British surrender in 1781.