Knowledge Builders

who were the key figures in the american revolution

by Gudrun Lynch PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Who were the key figures in the American Revolution? During the American Revolution, a number of men and women rose to prominence: George Washington, Abigail Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Patrick Henry, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and countless others distinguished themselves by their courage, patriotism, wisdom and talent.

Image result for who were the key figures in the american revolution

Full Answer

Who were the key people in the American Revolution?

  • The first shot fired in the American Revolution was on April 19, 1775 and is called the "shot heard round the world".
  • John Adams was the defense attorney for the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. ...
  • George Washington, the first President, only attended school until he was 14 years old. ...

More items...

What were the key ideas of the American Revolution?

The five sources consulted for this study present both conflicting and complementary interpretations of the dominant ideas behind the American Revolution. These ideas include the political, the economic, the conspiratorial, and the social, and combinations thereof.

Who were the key figures in US democracy before 1820?

Their leader, William Lloyd Garrison believed abolishing slavery was the central and most important idea for creating a perfect society. All of these reform movements expanded democratic ideals. In the years before the civil war, America made a shift to individualism and morality. People argued more fervently about equality and freedom.

Who were the people involved in the American Revolution?

Who Fought in the Revolutionary War?

  • Great Britain: In 1763, Great Britain issued a series of new taxes and laws in the colonies to help generate badly needed revenue.
  • France: France joined the Revolutionary War in 1778. ...
  • Spain: Spain joined the Revolutionary War in 1779. ...

More items...

image

Who were the 3 leaders of the American Revolution?

There were many people involved in the American Revolution and Revolutionary War. Five important figures were British King George III, military general George Washington, and founding fathers Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and Benjamin Franklin.

Who was the most important figure in the American Revolution?

Thomas Jefferson was a one of the most important and prominent figures in American history. He was a founding father who was responsible for writing the Declaration of Independence as well as the third President of the United States.

Who were involved in the American Revolution?

The American Revolutionary War was a war fought between Great Britain and the original Thirteen Colonies in North America from 1775 to 1787. Most of the fighting was in North America and other places. The Continental Army, the rebel army, was led by George Washington and helped by France and Spain.

Who led the American Revolution?

General George Washington led the American army to victory during the Revolutionary War. Despite having little practical experience in managing large, conventional armies, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader of the American military forces during the Revolutionary War.

Who organized the American Revolution?

When the Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia, delegates–including new additions Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson–voted to form a Continental Army, with Washington as its commander in chief.

Who fought in the American Revolution and who won?

Land campaigns to 1778 Learn about major events of the Revolutionary War (1775–83), which won 13 American colonies their political independence from Great Britain. Americans fought the war on land with essentially two types of organization: the Continental (national) Army and the state militias.

Who was the lawyer who defended the British soldiers accused of murdering five civilians in the Boston Massacre?

A prominent Boston lawyer who first became famous for defending the British soldiers accused of murdering five civilians in the Boston Massacre. Adams was a delegate from Massachusetts in the Continental Congresses, where he rejected proposals for reconciliation with Britain. He served as vice president to George Washington and was president of the United States from 1797 to 1801.

Who was Samuel Adams?

Samuel Adams. Second cousin to John Adams and a political activist. Adams was a failed Bostonian businessman who became an activist in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War. He organized the first Committee of Correspondence of Boston, which communicated with other similar organizations across the colonies, ...

What war did Thomas Jefferson rule?

He ruled Britain throughout the Seven Years’ War, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the War of 1812 . After the conclusion of the French and Indian War, his popularity declined in the American colonies. In the Declaration of Independence , Thomas Jefferson vilifies George III and argues ...

Who was the first secretary of state under George Washington?

Virginian planter and lawyer who eventually became president of the United States. Jefferson was invaluable to the revolutionary cause. In 1776 , he drafted the Declaration of Independence, which justified American independence from Britain. Later, he served as the first secretary of state under President George Washington ...

Who was the governor of Massachusetts during the turbulent years of the 1760s and early 1770s?

Royal official and governor of Massachusetts during the turbulent years of the 1760 s and early 1770 s. Hutchinson forbade the British East India Company’s tea ships from leaving Boston Harbor until they had unloaded their cargo, prompting disguised colonists to destroy the tea in the Boston Tea Party.

Who was the first president of the United States?

A Virginia planter and militia officer who eventually became the first president of the United States. Washington participated in the first engagement of the French and Indian War in 1754 and later became commander in chief of the American forces during the Revolutionary War. In 1789 , he became president of the United States.

Who was the first person to draw the cartoon "Join or Die"?

Benjamin Franklin. A Philadelphia printer, inventor, and patriot. Franklin drew the famous “Join or Die” political cartoon for the Albany Congress. He was also a delegate for the Second Continental Congress and a member of the committee responsible for helping to draft the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

What was the Revolutionary War?

The Revolutionary War, otherwise known as the American Revolution, was a battle for independence fought between the United States (then the Continental Colonies) and Great Britain that span ned the years of 1775 to 1783. The conflict was the result of mounting tension between the colonists and ...

Who was the first casualty of the Revolutionary War?

Crispus Attucks. Having fallen as the first casualty of the Revolutionary War, Crispus Attucks was a pivotal figure in urging American colonists to break free from British rule. At the time of his death, which took place on March 5, 1770, Attucks was a long-time sailor that spent a considerable amount of time in Boston.

How many times was Arnold promoted to Major General?

After being passed over five times, Arnold began to express his outrage, threatening to resign from military service.

What was Elijah Clarke's role in the Revolutionary War?

At the start of the Revolutionary War, Clarke provided support to the Patriots, taking the helm of a Georgian partisan militant force that fended off the British, as well as the aggressive Creek and Cherokee Native Americans. Clarke and his group of fighters defeated a loyalist militia in February 1779, and later participated in a guerilla campaign against British forces in the South Carolina backcountry. After being wounded in the Battle of Musgrove’s Mill, Clarke settled into a position serving Georgia’s legislature in 1781, but still lead militia in battles against Native Americans who were unhappy with the theft of their tribal lands. Clarke’s actions during the Revolutionary War has earned him consideration as one of its essential heroes who fought through numerous battle wounds and a number of diseases, including smallpox.

Why did George Washington reward Arnold?

In efforts to keep one of his best men, George Washington rewarded Arnold with a military commander post in Philadelphia and a promotion to Major General in 1777. With mounting frustration between Arnold and the other Continental officials came a poor reputation that led to Arnold being suspected of treason.

What diseases did Clarke fight?

Clarke’s actions during the Revolutionary War has earned him consideration as one of its essential heroes who fought through numerous battle wounds and a number of diseases, including smallpox.

What did Hamilton do in 1772?

After being positioned as a captain of artillery in 1776, Hamilton went on to fight in the Battle of Long Island and the retreat from New York City.

Who was the leader of the American Revolution?

Leaders of the American Revolution. Kennedy Hickman is a historian, museum director, and curator who specializes in military and naval history. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. The American Revolution began in 1775 and led to the rapid formation of American armies to oppose the British.

When did the American Revolution begin?

The American Revolution began in 1775 and led to the rapid formation of American armies to oppose the British. While British forces were largely led by professional officers and filled with career soldiers, the American leadership and ranks were filled with individuals drawn from all walks of colonial life. Some American leaders, such as George ...

How were American forces hampered during the early years of the war?

During the early years of the conflict, American forces were hampered by poor generals and those who had achieved their rank through political connections. As the war wore on, many of these were replaced as competent and skilled officers emerged.

Who was the British commander in the South?

General Sir Henry Clinton - British commander-in-chief in America (1778-1782) Lieutenant General Lord Charles Cornwallis - British commander in the South, forced to surrender at the Battle of Yorktown. Major Patrick Ferguson - inventor of the Ferguson rifle, commander at the Battle of Kings Mountain.

Who is Kennedy Hickman?

Kennedy Hickman is a historian, museum director, and curator who specializes in military and naval history. He has appeared on The History Channel as a featured expert. The American Revolution began in 1775 and led to the rapid formation of American armies to oppose the British.

What was the most important event of the American Revolution?

The most critical period of the Revolution was the American Revolutionary War (1775-1883), which ultimately led to the victory of American forces.

Who was the first American casualty of the American Revolution?

Crispus Attuck (1723 — 1770) Attuck is considered the first American casualty of the American Revolution. He died during the Boston Massacre of 1770 and became a symbol of the Revolution. Attuck was possibly a black slave or freeman of mixed ethnicity.

What was the role of Howe in the Battle of Saratoga?

Howe successfully led British troops in the capture of New York and Philadelphia, but strategically Britain lost ground after the Battle of Saratoga, and Howe tended his resignation in October 1777. Back home, Howe was criticised weakening the Hawkish government of Lord North.

Who was James Armistead?

James Armistead Lafayette (1760-1830) Armistead was an African-American slave from Virginia. During the Wars of Independence, he volunteered to act as a spy for the Continental Forces.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Jefferson was the principal author of The Declaration of Independence (1776), which was pivotal in creating a sense of idealism behind the new nation of the United States. Jefferson drafted the Declaration to affirm America’s independence, but it was also a groundbreaking affirmation of human rights.

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

Marquis de Lafayette (1757 – 1834) French military officer who fought in the Wars of Independence. Lafayette was a friend of Washington, Jefferson and Hamilton. Believing in the virtue of the American Revolution, he sought to encourage French participation in the war.

Who was Nathan Hale?

Nathan Hale (1755 – 1776) Hale was a soldier and spy of the Continental Army. He joined a Connecticut Militia in 1775, and in 1776 undertook an espionage mission to New York. Captured by the British, he was executed but became a symbol of American heroism.

Who were the leaders of the American Revolution?

There were several influential leaders during the course of the American Revolution. Samuel Adams was a key figure in the early phase of the revolution who forcefully opposed taxation and organized protests.

Who was the leader of the Continental Congress during the American Revolution?

When the Revolutionary War began, Adams played a leading role in the Continental Congress and pushed for complete independence. Samuel Adams was a key figure in the early phase of the American Revolution. He was a master at organizing protests and he also spread the cause of the revolution through his writings.

What was Charles Cornwallis' role in the American Revolution?

Charles Cornwallis began service in North America in 1776 under Henry Clinton in the failed Siege of Charleston. He then participated in the successful New York and New Jersey campaign under Commander-In-Chief William Howe. Cornwallis then continued to serve under Howe as the British took control of Philadelphia. He played a leading role in several battles of the campaign including the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of Germantown. After Henry Clinton became Commander-In-Chief, Cornwallis became his second in command. Along with Clinton, he led the British forces in the successful second siege of Charleston in 1780. After the siege, Clinton left for New York leaving Cornwallis in command of the south. Post Charleston, Cornwallis began to advance to North Carolina but, after the decisive defeat at the Battle of Kings Mountain, he was forced to retreat back into South Carolina. The Americans reconquered South Carolina from the British. Conrwallis was then trapped at Virginia with the French fleet defeating the Royal Fleet at the Battle of the Chesapeake. After non-stop bombardment from Franco-American forces, no hope of reinforcements and inadequate supplies of artillery ammunition and food, Cornwallis showed the white flag on October 17, 1781. The unpleasant relationship between Cornwallis and Clinton has been cited as a major cause of the British defeat. After the Revolutionary War was over, Charles Cornwallis went on to serve as Governor-General and commander-in-chief in India.

What was the role of Comte de Rochambeau in the American Revolution?

Comte de Rochambeau was the Commander-In-Chief of the French Expeditionary Force that embarked from France in order to help the American Continental Army fight against British forces. Though he arrived in 1779, he was largely inactive for a year due to the successful British blockading of Rhode Island’s ports. On July 6, 1781 the French and American armies met near New York City. Although Rochambeau had almost 40 years of warfare experience, he told Washington that he had come to serve and not to command and he never challenged Washington’s authority. Washington and Rochambeau then marched their combined forces to the Siege of Yorktown. There their troops met with the troops of Marquis de Lafayette to conduct the successful siege. It resulted in the surrender of the entire army of Lord Charles Cornwallis and was the decisive battle of the American Revolutionary War. After the siege, Rochambeau remained to garrison the southern states until 1783. Upon his return to France, Rochambeau was honored by King Louis XVI and was made governor of the province of Picardy.

What were the major issues of the American Revolution?

After conflict between Great Britain and its colonies on several issues, most prominently taxation without representation ; the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775. During the war, the Continental Army defeated the British leading to the formation of the United States of America. There were several influential leaders during the course of the American Revolution. Samuel Adams was a key figure in the early phase of the revolution who forcefully opposed taxation and organized protests. Once war broke out, George Washington led the Continental Army and he was supported by many able officers including Nathanael Greene. On the British side, Frederick North was the prime minister during most of the revolution. The post of the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in America was held by four people during the war. The most prominent among these were William Howe and Henry Clinton. Together these two led the British troops through most of the revolutionary war. Here are the 10 major military and political leaders of the American Revolution.

What was George Washington's life span?

George Washington. Lifespan: February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799. Nationality: American. When the American Revolutionary War broke out in 1775, Congress created the Continental Army and George Washington was appointed as its Commander-In-Chief.

What was Samuel Adams' life span?

Lifespan: September 27, 1722 – October 2, 1803. Nationality: American. Born in Boston, Samuel Adams was elected to the Massachusetts assembly in 1764. The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act the following year imposing direct taxes on the colonies for the first time.

image

1.American Revolution Figures - Famous Historical Leaders …

Url:https://www.biography.com/people/groups/american-revolution-figures

29 hours ago  · Benjamin Franklin. George Washington. John Adams. Daniel Boone. Thomas Jefferson. John Paul Jones. James Madison. Alexander Hamilton.

2.The American Revolution (1754–1781): Key People

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/history/american/revolution/key-people/

13 hours ago  · American Revolution Leaders - British. Major John Andre - British spymaster; Lieutenant General John Burgoyne - British commander at the Battle of Saratoga; Governor Major General Sir Guy Carleton - British Governor of Quebec (1768-1778, commander-in-chief in America (1782-1783) General Sir Henry Clinton - British commander-in-chief in America …

3.8 Key Figures from the Revolutionary War - Norwich …

Url:https://online.norwich.edu/academic-programs/resources/8-key-figures-from-the-revolutionary-war

13 hours ago People of the American Revolution Writers and philosophers. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) Author, politician, diplomat, scientist and statesman. Franklin... British Figures. King George III (1760-1820) As reigning British monarch, George resolutely sought to hold onto the... The American Revolution. ...

4.Who Were the Leaders of the American Revolution?

Url:https://www.thoughtco.com/people-of-the-american-revolution-2360663

21 hours ago Key Figures of the American Revolution. George Washington; Thomas Paine; Nathanael Greene ; Benedict Arnold; Horatio Gates; Marquis de Lafayette; For an alternative to this activity, students can go more in depth on one or two of these figures by creating a biography poster describing the person, their ideologies, and their contributions to the Revolution. More than one template can …

5.People of the American Revolution | Biography Online

Url:https://www.biographyonline.net/people/people-american-revolution.html

3 hours ago They were members and supporters of the First and Second Continental Congress who supported the colonial representation and later on American independence from Britain. Prominent Patriots included Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and John Hay.

6.Key Figures in the American Revolution Facts & Worksheets

Url:https://schoolhistory.co.uk/industrial/key-figures-in-the-american-revolution/

30 hours ago

7.10 Major Leaders of the American Revolution | Learnodo …

Url:https://learnodo-newtonic.com/american-revolution-leaders

16 hours ago

8.Videos of Who Were the Key Figures in the American Revolution

Url:/videos/search?q=who+were+the+key+figures+in+the+american+revolution&qpvt=who+were+the+key+figures+in+the+american+revolution&FORM=VDRE

5 hours ago  · Samuel Adams was a key figure in the early phase of the revolution who forcefully opposed taxation and organized protests. Once war broke out, George Washington led the Continental Army and he was supported by many able officers including Nathanael Greene .

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9