1. Important People of the Revolution

2. Samuel Adams Leader of the Sons of Liberty in Boston
Led patriots in throwing tea into the Boston Harbor to protest tea taxes

3. Paul Revere One of the leaders of the Boston Tea Party
Patriot who made a daring ride to warn colonists of British arrival at Lexington and Concord

4. John Adams
Lawyer who helped British soldiers from the Boston Massacre be found not guilty
Championed the cause for Independence
Helped draft and was a Signer of the Declaration of Independence

5. King George III British king during the Revolutionary War
Ignore petitions from the colonies and considered the Patriots traitors

6. George Washington Commander of the American Continental Army
His greatness lies in the fact he kept his army together despite lack of resources

7. Thomas Paine
Wrote the pamphlet Common Sense, which inspired people in the Thirteen Colonies to declare and fight for independence from Great Britain
Published The Crisis pamphlet series, that inspired the Patriots to continue their fight against the British despite the odds against them

8. These are the times that try men's souls: The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like Hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.
Thomas Paine The Crisis

9. Thomas Jefferson Major author of the Declaration of Independence
He based the content of the Declaration on the writings of John Locke and George Mason

10. Patrick Henry Outspoken member of the Virginia House of Burgesses
Inspired colonial patriotism with his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech

11. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter
It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. 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!

12. Benjamin Franklin Prominent member of the Continental Congress
Helped frame the Declaration of Independence
Helped gain French support for American independence

13. Lord Cornwallis
One of the leading British generals in the American War of Independence
His surrender in 1781 to a combined American and French force at the Siege of Yorktown ended significant hostilities in North America

14. Phillis Wheatley Enslaved African American woman
Wrote poems and plays supporting American Independence
Eventually gained her freedom

15. In every human Beast, God has implanted a Principle, which we call Love of Freedom; it is impatient of Oppression, and pants for Deliverance.

16. No more, America, in mournful strain, Of wrongs and grievance unredressed complain; No longer shall thou dread the iron chain Which wanton Tyranny, with lawless hand, Had made, and with it meant t’ enslave the land.

17. Proceed, great chief, with virtue on thy side, Thy ev’ry action let the goddess guide. A crown, a mansion, and a throne that shine, With gold unfading, WASHINGTON! Be thine."

18. John Hancock
President of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was signed

19. William Howe
British general who consistently defeated Continental Army in battle but was slow to react and allowed Washington and his army to escape each time.

20. Marquis De Lafayette
French nobleman who served as a major-general in the Continental Army. 
Was instrumental in gaining French support for the American cause

21. Horatio Gates
American General who took credit for the victory at Saratoga
Described as controversial because he attempted to discredit and replace George Washington and for his actions at the defeat at Camden.

22. John Burgoyne
British General whose strategy was to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies by invading New York from Canada
Out fought and surrounded he surrendered his army at Saratoga

23. Baron von Steuben
German military officer who served as Major General of the Continental Army
Credited with teaching the army the essentials of military drills, tactics, and disciplines at Valley Forge.

24. Benedict Arnold
Successful American General whose pivotal actions helped win the battle of Saratoga
As an American, his name is synonymous as a traitor for defecting to the British army

25. Comte de Rochambeau
French general who played a major role in helping America win independence
Commanded the French Army at the siege of Yorktown

26. Nathanael Greene One of Washington’s most gifted generals
His strategy during the Southern Campaign was “Fight, Get Beat, Rise, and Fight Again.”