British troops and loyalists fled Boston by ship for Canada in "disgrace" after nearly a decade of occupation that incited protest, bloodshed and then revolution, on this day in history, March 17, 1776.

"Surely it is the Lord's doings and it is marvelous in our eyes," patriot and future first lady Abigail Adams wrote of the incredible victory by the pugnacious little city over the mighty British crown. 

The humiliating flight of King George III's forces in the face of his disloyal subjects is still celebrated each year as Evacuation Day, a civic holiday, in Boston. 

I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if the king hadn't been mentally ill, and had allowed representation.

2 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if the king hadn't been mentally ill, and had allowed representation.

Or the French had not bankrupted themselves helping the rebels, who would not have won with it.