S. In the later part of 18th century when Britain was ruling the thirteen colonies of North America, the representatives from the thirteen colonies constituted a governing body called Continental Congress. The main objective of this body was to deal with complaints against British government and try to resolve the issues amicably. But as the continued imposition of taxes made the local population literally belligerent against the British government the resistance acquired the status of legitimate struggle. As the resistance transformed into armed struggle both sides fought on the propaganda front as well. British termed those people among the local population that still supported the monarch in Britain and were willing to fight on behalf of British empire as 'loyalists' while 'rebels' and traitors to them that fought against British. On the other hand rebels in the eyes of British declared their resistance as just and called themselves 'patriots' who were willing to die for the cause of liberty and freedom. Obviously large percentage of local population sided with patriots in the conflict.

Virginia was the first to be settled of thirteen colonies, it was the largest colony in America. Most of the farmers there earned high profits by growing and selling...

That proved to be the final push in the chain of events and it prompted Virginia patriots to demand of Continental Congress to declare American colonies free from British rule. The members of Continental Congress after deliberation decided in principle that it was time to do so. Thus on July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence was adopted it was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. Virginia was the place for many battles during America's fight for freedom. The last battle of war took place in Yorktown, a British commander General Charles Cornwallis surrendered there to George Washington on October 19, 1781. Then began the process of building a national government and this way United States underwent tremendous changes since then but the statutes set forward by the founding fathers are still the guiding principles for the nation.
Reference:

Timothy M. Helmus, Val E. Arndorf, Edgar a. Toppin, Norman J.G. Pounds (1984), the World and its People, the United States and its Neighbors. Silver Burdett Company 17-205 00, ISBN 0-382-02833-3 (p.p 106-118)