People of the American Revolution                                                                        

Benjamin Franklin Printer and writer from Philadelphia Member of the committee which wrote the Declaration of Independence Minister to France during the Revolution Oldest member and Founding Father of the Constitutional Convention in 1787

King George III King of Great Britain during the American Revolution

Thomas Jefferson Author of the Declaration of Independence Founder of the Anti-Federalists, a political party favoring states rights Third President of the United States. Purchased the Louisiana Territory from France.

Thomas Paine Influential writer during the American Revolution Common Sense attacked the monarchy, supported independence, and outlined a new form of government Crisis supported the Revolution through propaganda

John Paul Jones American naval hero Led raids against British vessels during the American Revolution “I have not yet begun to fight”

George Washington Virginia resident, surveyor, planter, and soldier during the French and Indian War Delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution First President of the United States, serving two terms

Marquis de Lafayette A 19 year old French nobleman who volunteered to help secure independence for the Americans by fighting in Washington’s army. Believed in what Americans were fighting for and was later regarded as a hero in France and the United States. Fought in several battles and gained respect and friendship from his men.

Samuel Adams Involved in local politics in Boston Believed colonial government was capable of self-rule Founder of the Sons of Liberty Involved in many events that led to the Revolution, including opposition to the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party. Supported the Constitution, with the addition of the Bill of Rights

Crispus Attucks An escaped slave, became an American hero during his struggle for freedom. The first American to lose his life in the colonists’ fight for freedom from Britain. Killed by Redcoat gunfire during the Boston Massacre, 1770.

Abigail Adams Wife of the 2nd president of the U.S., John Adams. Recognized as being politically influential, mostly in letters written to her husband during the American Revolution. Advocate for women’s rights.

John Adams Political philosopher and 2nd President of the United States. Federalist, and a reasonable man who believed in moderate resistance. Leader during the Revolution & Second Continental Congress. Held conflicts with France during his term and passed the Alien and Sedition Acts in 1798.

Wentworth Cheswell A free African-American who carried news & intelligence as the town messenger in Newmarket, New Hampshire. First black man elected to public office-school board member Fun fact-established a library in his town

Mercy Ottis Warren Expressed her feelings and ideas about the Patriotic cause through her writings, plays and poems. Believed Britain’s laws and taxes were unfair & that Britain was too far away from them to understand the colonists’ needs and rights. Thought colonists would be better off independent and free from Britain.

James Armistead A slave from Virginia who became a spy for Lafayette, relaying information about Cornwallis’ plans. Provided Lafayette with the critical information he needed to defeat Cornwallis at Yorktown, which ended the American Revolution.

Bernardo de Galvez Contributed to the independence of the U.S. from Britain. Aided the colonists by leading the Spanish against Britain. Re-conquered Florida for Spain. Fun Fact: Galveston, Texas is named after him!!!

Haym Salomon Polish-born, Jewish immigrant to America who helped finance the American Revolution. Helped raise $20,000 for the Continental Army on request from General Washington. Personally supported members of the Continental Congress, such as James Madison.

Patrick Henry Governor for 5 yrs. of his home state of Virginia, he supported the American struggle for liberty. Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses & Continental Congress “Give me liberty, or give me death!”