General Cornwallis surrenders to American and French forces at Yorktown, Virginia, effectively ending major fighting in the American Revolutionary War.
The explorer James Cook was killed in a clash with Hawaiians at Kealakekua Bay during his third voyage.
Britain signs a treaty with the United States in Paris, formally ending the American Revolutionary War and recognizing American independence.
British General John Burgoyne surrenders to the Continental Army at Saratoga, a victory that helps bring France into an alliance with the Americans.
The Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the 13 colonies free from Britain.
The first clashes between colonial militia and British troops in Massachusetts begin the American Revolutionary War.
The Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia adopts and signs the US Constitution, creating a federal government with separation of powers.