The document summarizes key events of the American Revolutionary War from Paul Revere's ride warning of the approaching British in 1775 to the final American victory at Yorktown in 1781. It describes how the "shot heard 'round the world" at Lexington and Concord sparked the war for independence and galvanized colonial militia to fight back against the British. Though facing setbacks, the colonists, led by General Washington, continued fighting and received aid from France, culminating in their ultimate defeat of Cornwallis' forces at Yorktown and winning independence from Britain.