The United States won its independence from Britain in the Revolutionary War in America. The war began after relations between Britain and its colonies in America began to break down in the mid-1700's. The colonists, who had enjoyed a large measure of self-government, wanted even greater freedom. They deeply resented efforts by the British government to tighten its control over the colonies.<NP> During the war, the colonies issued the Declaration of Independence. This document stated that all people have certain rights, including the right to change or overthrow any government that denies them their rights. Britain acknowledged the independence of the colonies in 1783. The United States Constitution, adopted in 1788, officially established the new nation as a republic.
