People of the Revolution

The Marquis de Lafayette

19 year old French aristocrat who played a leading role in the American Revolution, persuaded the French to join the Continental Army, fought in the American Revolution as a commander (major-general), & respected by George Washington

Phillis Wheatley

1st published African American woman

Wentworth Cheswell

African American Patriot, like Paul Revere he made an all-night ride back from Boston to warn about the impending British invasion, & served in the army and fought at the Battle of Saratoga.

Crispus Attucks

Became the first casualty of the American revolution when he was shot and killed at the Boston Massacre

Molly Ludwig

Brought provisions to the soldiers on the field, took over a cannon during the Battle of Monmouth after her husband fell, & nickname was pitcher

Samuel Adams

Contributed to the revolution, organized opposition to the Stamp Act, led protests, promoted the Boston Massacre, & organized the Sons of Liberty

Thomas Jefferson

Delegate to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, chief writer of the Declaration and sole writer of the preamble to the Declaration of Independence

Deborah Sampson

Disguised as a man & fought alongside men in the revolutionary War

King George III

Feared that the loss of one group of colonies would lead to the loss of others and the eventual decline of the empire, maintained an aggressive policy against colonial resistance, struggled to enforce royal authority throughout his reign, & suffered from mental illness and eventually became permanently insane

Annie Bradstreet

First poet & female writer to be published in the colonies

John Paul Jones

Founder of the U.S. Navy & led raids on British vessels during the American Revolution. Quote, "I have not yet begun to fight". Awarded medal of honor in 1788

John Locke

Influenced Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence. Credited with unalienable rights (rights that can not be taken away, you are born with these rights). Life, liberty, & pursuit of happiness.

Haym Soloman

Jewish immigrant to America, played an important role in financing the Revolution, arrested by the British as a Spy, & secretly helped British prisoners escape.

John Adams

Lawyer and politician, defended British soldiers after the Boston Massacre, member of the Continental Congress, strong supporter of independence, & helped write the Declaration of Independence.

Patrick Henry

Member of the Virginia House of Burgessess, spoke against the Stamp Act, "Give me Liberty, or give me death". "If this be treason, make the most of it", During the Revolution he served in the Continental Army

Benjamin Franklin

On the committee that helped write the Declaration of Independence, wrote Poor Richard's Almanac, American envoy (ambassador) to France starting in 1776 and remained until 1785, & negotiated the Treaty of Paris (1783) which ended the Revolutionary War

Thomas Paine

Propagandist and journalist, wrote the pamphlet "Common Sense" persuading Americans to join the Patriot cause. Also wrote the "American Crisis" which convinced colonists to continue the fight for independence when many were beginning to lose hope later in the war

George Washington

Resident of Virginia, soldier in the French and Indian War, delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses, Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution

Esther de Berdt Reed

Responsible for organizing a fundraising effort for the Revolutionary Army, published "The Sentiments of An American Women" calling for women to support the revolution

James Armistead

Slave in Virginia, Marquis de Lafayette recruited him as a spy for the Continental Army. Posing as a double agent, provided information on British troop movement, & contributed to the American victory at Yorktown

Bernardo de Galvez

Spanish nobleman who became governor of Louisiana, protected American ships in the port of New Orleans & helped transport war supplies

Catherine Little & Martha Washington

Spent time in military camps ministering to the soldiers, by sewing, cooking, and nursing the wounded

Abigail Adams

Wife of John Adams, quote, "Remember the ladies"

Mercy Otis Warren

Wife of a Massachusetts Patriot, anonymously wrote several propaganda pieces (poetry & satire) supporting the Patriot cause (supporting independence)