1776' The term 'Revolutionary Time' is often associated with the year 1776, which is a four-letter word that can be found in crossword puzzles. This year marks the beginning of the American Revolution, when the thirteen colonies declared their independence from Great Britain and formed the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776, and the Revolutionary War began shortly thereafter. This period of time is often referred to as the 'birth of the nation' and is remembered for its significance in the history of the United States.