Soldiers from colonies around the world fought in the war. Colonies became a source of manpower and raw materials. European colonies were not passive, while there was war in Europe, they were actively involved in the fight.
In marked new opportunities for Europeans, and opened up new forms of trade. Europeans left Europe and went over to explore and start new lives in the americas.
The American Revolution showed the benefit of home field advantage if you are willing to undertake atypical warfare.
In short, the revolution showed that the colonists knew the land that they were on, knew which locals supported them, and knew how to supply and get around the more professional British army.