This is the reason we have our freedom:
England goes to America. They say "Hey, nice place, let's settle here."
Spain is already there, so they beat up the Spaniards, and eventually form the 13 colonies. The years roll by and the Colonists set up their own laws, and get all comfy, but they're still under England's control.
The motherland (England) begins imposing taxes on the 13 colonies for various reasons, including the need to fund the war they're having with the French from 3,000 miles across the sea.
Needless to say the 13 colonies started to revolt against public officials, and they have one thing to say: No taxation without representation. If you don't represent us why should we give you our money?
Anyway, a riot happens, and 5 colonists are killed, so tensions rise like a ****. Colonists and Englishmen start killing each other, it gets ugly.
By this time the English already have thousands of soldiers amongst the Colonists trying to enforce English laws (one of which was the Quartering Act, which said that the colonists were to provide housing for the British, not cool.)
Anyway, to make a long story short, England sends 700 men to concord in order to destroy the Colonists weapons cache, and Paul Revere warns the Colonists, he gives them the heads-up. The British advance on Lexington, and some idiot fires a shot that wasn't ordered, this came to be known as "The shot heard 'round the world."
The Colonists force the Brits to retreat, and thereafter all hell breaks loose.
War everywhere. George Washington rages up the east coast and puts the smackdown on the Brits. Lots of battles occur, such as the battle of Bunker Hill, and the battle at Charleston, etc etc. Eventually the French and the Spanish get our backs.
July 4th 1776 as it becomes evident that the British forces are nearly exhausted, the Declaration of Independence is signed by Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, and John Adams, among others, But the war continues for another 6 years, until finally The Treaty of Paris is signed, and the Americans and the British kiss and make up.
13 years. 11,000 deaths.
Just something we take for granted while we're walking around with cell phones, Ipods, and driving cars that mom and dad bought us.
PS, i bought my own car, thanks.