The Revolutionary War started in 1775 and ended in 1783 with America's independence from Britain. During the war, the Second Continental Congress organized an army to fight the British while taking on the role of a new national government. After winning independence, the new nation focused on building its government and expanding westward, while also dealing with foreign affairs issues involving France, Britain, and Mexico. The essay then transitions to discussing the American Civil War, including its causes, key battles, use of trench warfare, and the impact it had on the United States.