Important Persons during the Revolutionary Era

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