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How did the Episcopal Church keep its connection to the Church of England after American independence?

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The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., features Gothic-style architecture with tall towers, pointed arches, and a large rose window above the main entrance. — The Episcopal Church Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.

Following American independence, the Episcopal Church maintained its connection to the Church of England by preserving its spiritual legacy, doctrine, worship, and ministerial order, while establishing itself as an autonomous body.12

Because the Church of England could not initially consecrate American bishops—partly due to the requirement that they take an oath of allegiance to the British crown—the process of securing leadership was complex:

Scottish Succession: Samuel Seabury, the first American bishop, was consecrated in 1784 by the Episcopal Church in Scotland, which faced no such political barriers. He subsequently adopted the Scottish Prayer of Consecration for the American Book of Common Prayer.3
English Succession: In 1787, English bishops eventually consecrated William White and Samuel Provoost as bishops for Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, further solidifying the church's apostolic succession.1

The church was formally organized in 1789, and it has continued its association with the Church of England through its membership in the Anglican Communion, participating in periodic meetings such as the Lambeth Conference.12