Key Figures in the American Revolution

King George III (1738-1820) Was the king of Great Britain and Ireland He thought that taxing the colonist would be a good way to help England pay some its bills from the French and Indian War. The king didn’t understand why the colonist did not want to pay the new taxes.

George Washington (1732-1799) The commander in chief of the Continental Army during the Revolution. He was born in Virginia and had military experience. When he was young, he served in the French and Indian War. In 1789, he was elected the first president of the United States. He served two 4-year terms George Washington BrainPop Video

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) He was born in Virginia. He was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. He was a lawyer, an inventor, a musician, an architect, a statesman, and a skilled writer. He served as secretary of state during Washington’s presidency. In 1800, he was elected as the 3rd president of the United States. Thomas Jefferson Brainpop Video

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Born in Boston and as a young man, he settled in Philadelphia. He was an inventor, scientist, publisher, philosopher, postmaster general, and diplomat and political leader. He worked hard to form alliances with other European countries so that America could count on their help. He served on the committee of Congress to write the Declaration of Independence. He was also a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. Benjamin Franklin BrainPop Video

Benedict Arnold (1741-1801) Born in Connecticut. He served in the Continental Army in the beginning of the American Revolution. He rose to the rank of brigadier general and became bitter when he failed to achieve a further promotion. He made a secret agreement with the British to hand over the fort at West Point, New York. His treason was discovered though and he settled in England after the war.

Patrick Henry (1736-1799) He was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, or legislature. He spoke out strongly against the Stamp Act. After the British passed the Intolerable Acts, he gave his most famous speech. He helped to inspire the American Revolution with the words, “Give me liberty or give me death!”

John Adams (1735-1826) Convinced the other delegates to sign the Declaration of Independence. He nominated George Washington to be commander in chief of the Continental Army and helped set up the U.S. navy and marines. 1n 1783, he was an American diplomat who signed the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. He served as vice president under Washington and later as president. John Adams BrainPop Video

Major Events of the Revolution

He also wanted to arrest two leaders of the patriots. In early 1775, the British General Thomas Gage learned that the colonist had stored a large amount of military supplies at Concord, Massachusetts, about 20 miles from Boston. He also wanted to arrest two leaders of the patriots. People also wanted independence from England. British troops and colonial soldiers clashed at Lexington and again at Concord on April 19, which started the American Revolution.

Congress appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. At first, the revolution did not go well for the patriots. In August 1776, the British forced Washington to retreat at the Battle of Long Island. The British victory meant that they gained control of New York City, which was strategically located. In late 1776 and early 1777, however, Washington reversed a string of losses when we won the Battle of Trenton and the Battle of Princeton. Battle of Trenton and Princeton Video

Later in 1777, the patriots gained an important victory of the Battle of Saratoga in upstate New York. The British thought they could win the war by dividing up the colonies in two. This goal meant that they would have to capture the rest of New York. Their plan failed however. Reinforcements that the British has counted on never arrived. The patriots surrounded the British. British General John Burgoyne was forced to surrender to General Horatio Gates, commander of the patriot forces. The patriot victory convinced France to enter the war and support them. French aid was one of the most important factors in the patriot victory over the British.

With the aid of the French fleet and French army troops, Washington was able to win a final showdown in October 1781. This Battle was the Battle of Yorktown, fought near Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. When the British surrendered at this battle, the Revolution was almost over. Two years later, in 1783, the British signed a treaty that formally recognized the independence of the 13 colonies.

Important Battles of the Revolutionary War

Last battle of the war. Colonists Year Winner Importance Lexington and Concord 1775 Colonists First battle of the war. Emerson said that at his battle a shot was fired that was “heard around the world.” British General Thomas Gage that the colonist has stored a large amount of military supplies (ammunition) at Concord, Massachusetts. He wanted to arrest 2 leaders of the patriots – Hancock and Adams. The people wanted independence from England. Started the American Revolution. Bunker Hill England Located close to Boston, there were heavy English losses as a result of the battle. Long Island 1776 Fought between the troops of Washington and Howe. It was the first large scale battle of the war. British forced Washington to retreat (withdraw) Trenton and Princeton 1776-1777 US An important early victory in the war. After earlier defeats, this battle restored the morale of the US troops. Saratoga 1777 The British thought they could win the war by dividing up the colonies in two. This goal meant they would have to capture the rest of New York. Fought in upstate New York. France offered its help. It was a turning point in the war. Their plan failed and reinforcements for the British arrived. Yorktown 1781 Last battle of the war.