Independence Day is celebrated in the U.S. on July 4 with a federal holiday, picnics, patriotic music, hot dogs, and fireworks. It marks the day – July 4, 1776 – that the Continental Congress voted to approve Thomas Jefferson’s elegantly written Declaration of Independence from Britain.

However, it marks neither the start nor the end of the Revolutionary War, which began April 19, 1775, and ended more than eight years later on September 3, 1783, with the Treaty of Paris.

Deaths during the war: According to the American Battlefield Trust,¹ an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died while prisoners of war.

The role of women: Women played diverse and crucial roles during the American Revolutionary War. They served as soldiers, spies, nurses, cooks, seamstresses, and maids. Some, like Deborah Sampson, disguised themselves as men to fight, while others, like Margaret Corbin, took over battlefield duties.²

The role of Native Americans: Native Americans played significant and complex roles in the Revolutionary War, with different tribes aligning themselves with either the British or the American colonists. They served as scouts, conducted ambushes, and participated in raids on frontier settlements, often alongside British forces or Loyalists.³

Many tribes sided with the British, believing they would be more likely to limit colonial expansion westward and protect Native lands.

The role of African Americans: Around 5,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army and Navy, with another 4,000 employed in Patriot militia units, privateers, or as support staff.⁴

What do you think? We would love to hear your opinion.

[1] American Revolution Facts (2023). How many were killed or wounded? Battlefields.org.

[2] Women in the American Revolution. Vaia.com.

[3] What role did Native Americans play in the American Revolution? Reddit.com.

[4] American Revolutionary War. Wikipedia.org.