10 Moments That Changed the World in 1776

1776 was the year the American Revolution is thought to have really began. While the smoke of the first battles had already cleared, it became the year that transformed a desperate colonial rebellion into a definitive, world-shaping quest for independence.

Common Sense was a revolutionary pamphlet that shifted public opinion toward American Independence. Written for "common" people in secret by Thomas Paine, it argued for an independent, democratic republic away from the British monarchy.

The Battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the Reolutionary War in 1776 with the first official gunfire, and became known as "the shot heard 'round the world." This elevan-month siege, led by George Washington, forced the British out of Boston by March 1776. The war was well and truly underway.

July 4th will go down in history as the date the Declaration was signed by 56 delegates who put their lives on the line for the revolutionary change. Today it is known as Independence Day and America's birthday is celebrating it's 250 years anniversary in 2026.

On 8 July the Liberty Bell rang in Philadelphia for the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence,  at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia, symbolizing the start of a new, independent nation.

Signing the Declaration didn't mean the war was over. Later that summer the Continental Army were surrounded at the Battle of Long Island; the Revolution hanging on a thread. Washington led a nighttime retreat to Manhattan covered by a heavy fog. The "Maryland 400" attacked the British at Old Stone House to buy time for the retreat. This saved the Revolutionary cause.

As the war progressed, the Continental Congress sent diplomats to France and Spain to secure alliances against the British and assist the American Revolution. Named the "Model Treaty", they did not ask for direct military support, but instead for a supply of weapons and indirect assistance.

On September 22nd, the British executed Nathan Hale, a school teacher, Captain, and spy in the Continental army. He became a martyr. His death as an untrained spy led George Washington to develop a more professional spy network, most notably the Culper Spy Ring.

The American submersible vessel Turtle  was used to attempt to attach a time bomb to the British ship, HMS Eagle, in New York Harbor, marking the world's first submarine attack. It failed and the transport ship was sunk later that year by the British with the submarine aboard.

In December, Washington crossed the Delaware River under the cover of night to launch a surprise attack on Christmas night. After being forced out of New York, this success boosted military morale.