TIME 1776

The American Revolution was more than a war for independence—it was a bold experiment that reshaped the world. TIME: 1776 revisits the pivotal events, ideas, and individuals that gave rise to a nation, offering a vivid and layered look at the fight for freedom and the birth of the United States. This special edition traces the revolutionary journey across three defining periods: the mounting unrest that sparked rebellion, the bold declaration that changed everything, and the long, hard struggle to secure liberty. Along the way, readers explore the roles of spies, soldiers, political thinkers, and unlikely heroes, including Paul Revere’s midnight ride and the international alliances that helped determine the war’s outcome. Richly reported and deeply researched, this issue also examines the legacy of America’s founding, including its contradictions—such as the persistence of enslavement—and the efforts to preserve the nation’s heritage today. With compelling storytelling and essential historical context, 1776 offers a powerful reflection on the ideals that shaped the United States and that continue to define it.