13 Colonies

Definition

The 13 Colonies were a group of British colonies on the east coast of North America founded in the 17th and early 18th centuries. They declared independence in 1776 and formed the United States.

Related terms

Declaration of Independence: This is an assertion adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting at Pennsylvania State House that announced that thirteen American colonies were no longer subordinate to King George III.

American Revolution: A war fought from 1775-1783 between Great Britain and thirteen North American colonies which had declared themselves the independent United States of America.

Articles of Confederation: The first constitution of the United States, ratified in 1781. It was replaced by the U.S. Constitution in 1789.