Famous People Of the American Revolution

King George III He was King of England He was blamed for passing laws that taxed the colonists, although it was really the British Parliament that passed the laws. He refused to accept the colonist petitions and requests which led to colonists no longer wanting to be under British rule.

George Washington Was a military leader in the French and Indian War which was his only military experience before the Revolutionary War. Was named commander-in-chief of the American Army during the Revolutionary War. He made many mistakes in his military strategy at first, but inspired his men and kept the army together. Was the 1 st President of the United States of America

Benjamin Franklin One of the Sons of Liberty A great patriot from Philadelphia who was widely respected by Americans and Europeans. He was a famous journalist and scientist and invented many things Helped write the Declaration of Independence He was sent to France during the war to get financial and military help. He helped negotiate the treaty that ended the war.

Thomas Jefferson He helped set up the Committees of Correspondence in Virginia to help keep the colonies informed of what was happening in the colonies. He wrote the Declaration of Independence After the war he served as an ambassador to France From Virginia He was 3 rd President of the United States

John Adams He was from Massachusetts. He was one of the Sons of Liberty that planned the Boston Tea Party He helped write the Declaration of Independence He became the 2 nd president of the United States

Thomas Paine He wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense It explained plainly to the colonists why they needed to break away from British rule. His words convinced many people it was time to declare war.

Patrick Henry He was a great Patriot from Virginia. He was a member of the Continental Congress and a passionate speaker. He is famous for saying “Give me liberty or give me death!”

Marquis de Lafayette Young soldier from France who volunteered in the American army He was best friends with George Washington. Washington said he loved him like a son

CREDITS Created by the South Carolina Department of Education http://scde.mrooms.org/index.php?page= Standard 4-3.2