1. The American victory at Saratoga in 1777 was a turning point. This convinced France to formally enter the war in 1778 on the side of the Americans, providing money, munitions, and troops that were essential to wear down the British.
2. The British surrender at Yorktown in 1781 was the culminating battle. With French naval support blocking escape, the British army under Cornwallis surrendered, demonstrating the Americans could defeat British armies in the field and shifting momentum decisively in favor of independence.
3. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 officially ended the war and granted independence to the original 13 American colonies.