Significant Individuals of the Revolution

King George III King of England (Great Britain) during the American Revolution Tightened control over the American Colonies and they resisted (Salutary Neglect) Seen by colonists as a tyrant: a ruler who exercises absolute power oppressively or brutally

Patrick Henry Fiery patriot and member of the Virginia House of Burgesses Best known for his moving speech in front of the House of Burgesses, in which he ended with the phrase: “Give me liberty or give me death!”

Patrick Henry “Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” ~Patrick Henry, March 23, 1775 Virginia House of Burgesses

Samuel Adams American Patriot and leader of the Boston Sons of Liberty Used propaganda against the British – Boston Massacre Organized many colonial boycotts against taxed British goods Organized Boston Tea Party

Thomas Jefferson Politician and writer of the Declaration of Independence (1776) Believed that people have the unalienable rights “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”

John Adams Remembered as the lawyer who defended the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre He believed in reason and the law Eventually became convinced that only outright resistance would gain liberty for America

Benjamin Franklin World renowned scientist/inventor Assisted in writing the Declaration of Independence Served as the American Diplomat to France during the French and Indian War Helped negotiate Treaty of Paris, 1763 Proposed the Albany Plan of Union Slogan – Join or Die

Thomas Paine Propagandist and journalist In January 1776, he published his 47 page pamphlet Common Sense. In it, he urged the colonists that only a complete break from England was the answer to all their problems He continued to publish several pamphlets during the war, including The Crisis, encouraging the Americans to fight.

Common Sense In this booklet Paine asserted that kings, in general, are bad and that America must be free to make its own way in the world (free enterprise). Paine, through his book, helped to convince many Americans that independence from Great Britain was necessary.

George Washington One of the most significant figures during the American Revolution Resident of Virginia, he was surveyor, a planter,  Soldier in the French and Indian War Chosen as the General (commander-in-chief), or to lead, the Continental Army during the war (Name given to the army in the colonies) Delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses Chairman of the Constitutional Convention in 1787

Marquis de Lafayette French aristocrat and military officer When he heard of the Americans struggle for independence, he chose to travel to America and volunteer his services as a military officer He became a Major General in the Army as he and George Washington became very close friends He helped strengthen ties between America and France

James Armistead Born a slave in Virginia in 1748. He served as a spy during the American Revolution. He pretended to be a runaway slave and was taken into camp by the British. It was due in part to his information that allowed Washington and Lafayette to prevent British reinforcements at Yorktown and win the war.

Abigail Adams Wife of John Adams, served as his  confidant and support while he served in the Continental Congress. When John and others were considering a declaration of independence, Abigail reminded him to take care of the women, who would not hold themselves bound by laws in which they had no voice  (“Remember the ladies”)

Wentworth Cheswell African American Patriot; like Paul Revere he made an all­ night ride back from Boston to warn his community of the impending British invasion Served in the army and fought at the Battle of Saratoga

Mercy Otis Warren Wife of a Massachusetts Patriot   Anonymously wrote several  propaganda pieces supporting the Patriot cause; used notes from meetings and conversations to write the first history of the American Revolutionary War

Bernardo de Gálvez Spanish nobleman who became governor of the province of Louisiana (January,1777) Protected American ships in the port of New Orleans, helped transport war supplies, and took up arms to fight to protect Louisiana

Crispus Attucks An African American Man The first casualty of the American Revolution when he was shot and killed in what became known as the Boston Massacre

Haym Salomon  A Polish born Jewish immigrant to America who played an important role in financing the Revolution Arrested by the British as a spy Used by the British as an interpreter with their German troops Helped British prisoners escape and encouraged German soldiers to desert the British army Became a broker to the French consul and paymaster to French troops in America 

John Paul Jones   Founder of U.S. Navy and led raids on British vessels during the American Revolution

Esther De Berdt Reed  Responsible for organizing a fundraising effort for the Revolutionary Army that netted more than $300,000 dollars. Reed used the money to buy linen, and proceeded along with her group to sew over 2,200 shirts for the soldiers. Reed also published “The Sentiments of  An American Women” calling for women to support the revolution. 

Deborah Sampson Fought alongside men in the Revolutionary army. Disguised as a man, Sampson fought for eighteen months during the war

Molly Ludwig Contributed to the war by bringing provisions to soldiers on the field as well as taking over a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth after her husband fell. Her acts earned her, and other women who similarly helped, the nickname “Molly Pitcher” 

Other Officers’ Wives  Martha Washington Spent time in military camps ministering to the soldiers, by sewing, cooking, and nursing the wounded Catharine Littlefield Greene