During what major event did the United States gain its independence?

The major event during which the United States gained its independence is the American Revolution. This conflict, which took place between 1775 and 1783, was fought between the thirteen American colonies and Great Britain. The colonies sought independence due to various grievances against British rule, such as taxation without representation and a lack of self-governance. The war culminated in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, a pivotal document that proclaimed the colonies as independent states, free from British authority. Ultimately, the success of the American Revolution led to the establishment of the United States as a sovereign nation, marking a significant turning point in history.

In contrast, World War I occurred much later and involved the U.S. in global military conflicts, while the Civil War was primarily about the issues of slavery and state rights within the existing framework of the United States. The Great Depression was an economic downturn that significantly affected the nation but did not involve the quest for independence.