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In 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to govern the colonies, but they were not ratified until 1781.  The government they instituted was weak, without a president or courts, and unanimous approval was required to amend them.  Eventually, they were replaced by the Constitution.

In 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation to govern the colonies, but they were not ratified until 1781.  The government they instituted was weak, without a president or courts, and unanimous approval was required to amend them.  Eventually, they were replaced by the Constitution.

At Saratoga in upstate New York in October 1777, 6,000 British soldiers surrendered, constituting a huge victory for the colonies.  [[Benedict Arnold]] led our army there before becoming a traitor and went over to the British side.  The Saratoga victory was the turning point in the war, because the French then ended its neutrality and entered on our side.

At Saratoga in upstate New York in October 1777, 6,000 British soldiers surrendered, constituting a huge victory for the colonies.  It is a mystery to this day whether [[Benedict Arnold]] actively directed our army there, or had little influence, before becoming a traitor and going over to the British side.  The Saratoga victory was the turning point in the war, because the French then ended its neutrality and entered on our side.

Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing the ''Poor Richard's Almanac'', inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.   

Benjamin Franklin was instrumental in obtaining French backing for the American cause and forging the Franco-American Alliance in 1778.  Due to Franklin's efforts as an ambassador to France, and the inspiration of the colonies' victory at Saratoga, France recognized the colonies' independence, entered into a military alliance with the colonies, and renounced its territory east of the Mississippi as well as Bermuda.  Franklin, it is worth noting, had other significant achievements that included writing the ''Poor Richard's Almanac'', inventing the Franklin stove for heating, and starting the first library.