Achieving independence as the United States of America was a lengthy and unlikely struggle for the 13 original colonies. Over ...

Meanwhile, frightened Southern planters ... That key decision broke the deadlock among the squabbling Colonies, paving the way for adoption of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence.

In 1780, morale in the Colonies was low—the British were racking ... It was the first major Southern win of the war, and the people of South Carolina were rejuvenated by the victory.