Important Persons during the Revolutionary Era

Samuel Adams Born in Boston, Massachusetts Educated at Harvard Enters politics after he fails in his business venture Serves in both the 1st and 2nd Continental Congresses A leading political organizer against the British in the colonies He is a leader in the Boston Tea Party and of the Sons of Liberty

Samuel Adams At the Boston Massacre it is believed that he played a major hand in inciting the Sons of Liberty to antagonize British troops He will sign the Declaration of Independence

Benjamin Franklin Born in Boston, Massachusetts leaves school to help father in his business as a soapmaker Printer in Philadelphia and later an editor for the Pennsylvania Gazette

Benjamin Franklin Writes Poor Richard’s Almanac which becomes popular for it’s American proverbs Scientist, writer, businessmen, statesman, publisher, represented American Enlightenment and inventor Responsible for helping get the French to join the colonies against the British

King George III King George III was afflicted with porphyria, a maddening disease England will defeat the French and have complete control over North America After French and Indian War he will tax the colonies

King George III To control the colonies he use military force which results in rebellion He will be singled out in the Declaration of Independence as the cause for the American Revolution He will die in 1820 blind, deaf and insane

Thomas Jefferson A Virginia plantation owner He will write many political pamphlets that criticize British policies in the colonies Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses several terms Felt that minorities not capable of participating in a democracy

Thomas Jefferson He will attend both Continental Congresses He will write the Declaration of Independence in 1776 He is governor of Virginia during the war

Thomas Paine English Quaker who arrives in the colonies in 1775 Writes in 1776 Common Sense, a political pamphlet that criticizes the British monarch, supports colonial rebellion and justifies starting a new government

Thomas Paine Common Sense will push colonies to rebel Writes American Crisis, which inspires colonial soldiers to continue fighting against the British

John Paul Jones Born in Scotland Begins serving on a merchant ship at age 13 Commands a ship by the time he is 21 Joins Continental Navy and fights against British Has a illustrious career during Revolution, on numerous times takes on forces twice as large as his command

John Paul Jones Famous for telling British naval ships during battle “I have not begun to fight” Considered founder of United States Navy

Marquis de Lafayette Wealthy French nobleman who joins the American cause He serves under George Washington during the winter at Valley Forge Helped in getting French to aid colonies against the British