Key People of the American Revolution

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John Paul Jones

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Naval commander who won a famous victory against the British warship Serapis in 1779. Declared, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

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Samuel Adams & Mercy Otis Warren

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Leaders in colonial resistance. Adams organized protests and boycotts; Warren used plays and pamphlets to rally colonists against the Stamp and Townshend Acts.

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Marquis de Lafayette

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Young French nobleman who volunteered to fight for the American cause and became Washington’s trusted aide. Helped secure French troops and supplies for the Continental Army.

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Benjamin Franklin

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Diplomat who helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris (1783), ending the Revolutionary War. Known for his wisdom, wit, and diplomacy.

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John Adams

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Lawyer who defended British soldiers in the Boston Massacre trial, showing commitment to justice. Later became the 2nd President of the United States.

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Thomas Paine

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Author of Common Sense, a pamphlet that encouraged independence from Britain. Wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”

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Patrick Henry

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Fiery orator who spoke out for independence. Famous for, “Give me liberty or give me death!”

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Crispus Attucks

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African American dockworker killed in the Boston Massacre; considered the first casualty of the Revolution. Remembered as a martyr for liberty.

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Thomas Jefferson

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Principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident…”

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George Washington

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Commander of the Continental Army during the Revolution. Later became the first President of the United States.