Important people of the American Revolution.

1. Important people of the American Revolution.

2. Continental Congress • Group of people who governed the Colonies before and during the war.

3. Abigail Adams • Wife of John Adams • Mother of John Q. Adams • Requested her husband to “Remember the Ladies” during the writing of the Declaration of Independence • Early advocate for Women’s Rights

4. John Adams • Patriot from Massachusetts. • Strongly supported independence from England. • Lawyer – defended the Redcoats after the Boston Massacre • Cousin of Samuel Adams

5. Benjamin Franklin • Poor Richard’s Almanac • Declaration of Independence Committee • Treaty of Paris • Oldest delegates – Constitutional Convention • First Political Cartoon – “Join or Die” • Major Inventor

6. Wentworth Cheswell • First African American elected to public office • Made famous ride with Paul Revere to warn about the British invasion.

7. Mercy Otis Warren • Patriot writer during Revolution. • Wrote plays and poems encouraging independence. • First woman historian of Revolution

8. James Armistead • Virginian slave who spied on the British during the war.

9. Bernardo de Galvez • Spanish governor of Louisiana Territory. • Gave money to Americans for war. • Blocked British from New Orleans port.

10. HaymSaloman • Jewish immigrant who gave Americans money for the war. • Arrested by England, but still helped Americans escape from British jails.

11. John Paul Jones • Founded the American Navy. • First American Naval hero. • Famous quote: “I have not yet begun to fight!”

12. King George III • Ignored the Olive Branch Petition • King of Britain during the American Revolution • Colonists called him a tyrant

13. Patrick Henry • Member Virginia House of Burgesses • Member First Continental Congress • “…but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death” • Supported Independence from Great Britain

14. Thomas Jefferson • Author of Declaration of Independence. • Member of the Continental Congress.

15. Marquis de Lafayette • French Aristocrat • General in American Revolution • Believed in Liberty and Freedom

16. Thomas Paine • Author of Common Sense written • Author of American Crisis – Washington read Crisis to his troops to INSPIREthem during the American Revolution

17. George Washington • Commander of Continental Army • Excellent military leader – trusted and respected by his troops. • Wife - Martha Washington