What war did the Americans fight to win independence from Britain?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• American Revolution
• The optional: (American) Revolutionary War
• War for optional: (American) Independence

Our explanation

In 1775, the 13 colonies went to war with Great Britain. This was the American Revolutionary War, also called the American Revolution or the War for Independence. It ended in 1783 with an American victory.

Remember it

Each official name uses REVOLUTION or INDEPENDENCE: American Revolution, Revolutionary War, War for Independence.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide (M-1175) pp. 47, 50. Quote (p. 47): “In 1775, the colonists went to war with Great Britain. This war was called the American Revolutionary War.” p. 50: treaty of 1783.

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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Easy to mix up with

• 91Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
• 92Name the U.S. war between the North and the South.