American independence refers to the period during the late 18th century when the thirteen American colonies sought to break free from British rule. Tensions grew due to issues like taxation without representation, leading to protests and conflicts. The situation escalated into the American Revolutionary War, which lasted from 1775 to 1783. In 1776, the colonies declared their independence with the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson. This document outlined the colonies' grievances against King George III and asserted their right to self-governance. The war concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783, officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation.