People of the Revolution Illustrated Dictionary

Directions: Write the name of the person. Write what they did (what they are known for). Use the person’s name in a sentence. Create an epitaph. What is an epitaph? It is a statement, sometimes a poem, written for a deceased person. Sometimes it is written by the person themselves, sometimes it’s written by someone close to the person. Usually it is placed on their tombstone.

Examples of Epitaphs: Winston Churchill: “I’m ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” George Washington: “Looking into the portals of eternity teaches that the brotherhood of man is inspired by God’s word; then all prejudice of race vanishes away.” Jack Dempsey: “Here lies a gentle man and a gentleman.” Frank Sinatra: “The best is yet to come.” Mel Blanc: “That’s all folks!”

Possible Group Activity 20 Minutes As a group you will need to complete the line for your person. Second, you need to come up with a poem, song, rap, skit, or comic strip that tells others about your person. Third, present your information to the class. ** Your presentation must be of good enough quality that others learn about your person.

Loyalist American colonists who remained loyal to England during Revolutionary War Supporters of Great Britain (the crown). About 1/3 of the colonists were loyalists. They did not believe unfair taxes justified a rebellion.

Patriot An American colonist who sided with the colonies in the American Revolution Wanted to break away from England. Believed they should have the right to govern themselves. About 1/3 of the colonists were patriots. “Then join hand in hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall…”

Traitor A person who betrays a friend, country, or principle. He/she changes sides or switches loyalty. During the Revolutionary War they were also called “turncoats.”

Abigail Adams Wife of John Adams Advocated for women's rights She urged her husband and the Continental Congress to “remember the ladies” (March, 1776).

Mercy Otis Warren She was a poet known for her anti-British plays Her plays endorsed the Revolution and attacked the British She and Abigail helped increase awareness on women's issues She was leader of the Daughters of Liberty.

Benjamin Franklin Sent by the Continental Congress to France at the beginning of the Revolutionary War. He convinced the French to support the Americans against the British.

“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale Worked as a school teacher before the Revolutionary War. In his early 20s he was a spy in the war. He was captured by the Redcoats and executed by General Howe. Through his courageous death he became a martyr for the revolution. “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Benedict Arnold At the beginning of the war he was well respected. He became the Commander at West Point. Resentful over lack of respect Tory wife & desire for money help sway him He became a traitor to our nation.

James Armistead African American who served as the 1st double spy (he pretended to be a British spy) His information helped defeat the British at Yorktown

Bernardo de Galvez Spanish governor of New Orleans Sent supplies to the American colonists Won many battles against the British in Louisiana and Florida which kept the British from encircling the colonies.

Haym Salomon Jewish immigrant from Poland Raised lots of money to help pay for the Revolutionary War He died broke, but his rich legacy lives on.

“Humanity has won the battle. Liberty now has a country.” Marquis de Lafayette French military advisor to George Washington Used his own money to buy clothing for the American troops Helped George Washington defeat the British at Yorktown “Humanity has won the battle. Liberty now has a country.”

“I have not yet begun to fight!” John Paul Jones The Father of the American Navy In a remarkable battle defeat looked certain. The British Admiral asked if Jones was ready to surrender. He courageously declared, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

George Washington Commander in Chief of the Continental (American) Army during the Revolutionary War Serving without pay during the war, he is a model of civic virtue. Defeated General Cornwallis at Yorktown and won the Revolutionary War “I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.”