The conflict fought between the British and the American colonists for independence is known as the American Revolutionary War, which spanned from 1775 to 1783. It began with rising tensions over British taxation and governance without representation, leading to major clashes like the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The colonists sought to establish a new nation based on the ideals of liberty, democracy, and self-governance. The war concluded with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, recognizing the sovereignty of the United States and marking a significant shift in global political dynamics.