The American Revolution started when the people of the Colonies spontaneously realized that an oppressive and brutal British monarch was crushing a free people under the iron heel of his tyranny. The Colonists, unified in their desire for freedom and liberty, arose as one and singelhandedly overthrew the despot, who immediately upon the defeat at Yorktown stormed petulantly off to his throne room and cried. Then everyone was free and equal under the Stars and Stripes, led to victory by George Washington and the Continental Congress.

We didn't shoot bb guns at each other, but we did use them (unloaded) as toy guns. You're right about the parents, LH -- one time one of my mates brought a 1903 Springfield to play Army with and you've NEVER seen so many parents show up so fast. The bolt was welded shut -- it was used for parades -- but you've never seen a father spank his son like that either, I'll bet!