People of the American Revolution

Commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Great leader and had the ability to rally troops and unify a military that had sub par supplies, poor equipment, and little training. Credited for the American victory of Britain George Washington

Benedict Arnold Military hero for both sides in the same war He began his career as an American Patriot in May 1775, when he and Ethan Allen led the brigade that captured Fort Ticonderoga Led an attack on Quebec and an assault at Saratoga The whole time he was sending military intelligence to his British contact, Major John Andre. Andre was caught with incriminating documents in Arnold's handwriting, including routes of access to American forts. Benedict Arnold

John Paul Jones Born in Scotland and fled to America Defeated the British Serapis which inspired Americans “I have not yet begun to fight!” Considered “Father of the U.S. Navy” John Paul Jones

Marquis de Lafayette French nobleman Wanted a military career and believed in American cause Major General in the Continental Army-Highest French rank Helped secure French support for the patriots and was able to obtain French troops and supplies Marquis de Lafayette

Baron von Steuben German officer Asked by Washington to train army into a skilled fighting force Drilled American soldiers at Valley Forge and turned them into skilled fighters Many of his tactics and military training are still practiced and are the basis for the U.S. military today Baron von Steuben

James Armistead African American slave who pretended to be a runaway Worked as a “double agent spy” for George Washington He relayed information to the Patriot Commanders that aided them in a victory at Yorktown James Armistead

Haym Salomon Polish born Jewish immigrant Member of the Sons of Liberty Convinced many Hessians to desert the British military Arrested as a spy by the British but escaped before being hanged Became a financial broker and helped finance the U.S. Continental Congress using his own money Haym Salomon

Descendant of Spanish nobility and became Governor of Louisiana Territory Due to “bad blood” between Spain and Britain, he sided with the Americans during the war Instrumental in buying Spanish weapons, gunpowder, clothing and many other vital supplies that were essential to the colonial army Galveston, Texas is named in his honor Bernardo de Galvez

British Generals Howe Clinton Burgoyne Cornwallis Gen. William Howe-Led the British troops in attacked Breed's Hill. He won many battles for the British but made strategic mistakes. Gen. Henry Clinton-In 1775, second-in-command to General Howe and a savvy military strategist. In 1778, he succeeded Howe as supreme British commander in America. Throughout his generalship, he remained dissatisfied with denied requests for supplies from Britain, and tried to resign twice. He failed to reinforce Cornwallis at Yorktown, where the Americans won the decisive victory that ended the war. Gen. John Burgoyne-British Major General; his bold plan of invading the American colonies from Canada ended in his surrender at Saratoga, N. Y. Lord Charles Cornwallis- In 1778, he became second in command of the British forces. Two years later he led the fateful Carolina campaign, which directly led to Yorktown, the major British defeat, that ended the fighting. Howe Clinton Burgoyne Cornwallis British Generals

Women of the Revolution Abigail Adams-Wrote letters to her husband, John Adams, that help historians understand the Revolutionary era. She wanted women to obtain equal status with men when forming the new government. Also known to have advocated for public education for girls. Mercy Otis Warren-Writer who authored plays, poems and essays supported the idea of independence. Her writings convinced many in Massachusetts to become Patriots. Phillis Wheatley-African American slave who became an esteemed poet and wrote many poems to George Washington expressing her support. Women of the Revolution