1. Important Persons during the Revolutionary Era

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

14. 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