The American Revolutionary War (1775 - 1783) was a war between the United States and Great Britain, where the United States won its freedom and became an independent nation. Since it was its own country, the United States created a governing body. During the Civil War (1860 - 1865), however, the southern states seceded from the United States but rejoined as one country after the war was over. The dominant ideals for the American government are a form of classical liberalism and republicanism.