People of the American Revolution

Acted as a U.S. diplomat to France and played a large role in persuading the French to ally with the United States. Served as the First U.S. Ambassador to France, member of the Continental Congress.

Wife of John Adams. One of her most famous pieces of advice to John Adams was "...in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands..." She also helped to organize women's groups for assisting families in need during the war and making gunpowder for the militia.

Free African-American who joined in the Revolutionary cause, fought in the war, and made a ride to New Hampshire to warn the colonists of approaching British troops. His grandfather was the first African-American to own land in the colonies.

Slave who was allowed to act as a spy for Lafayette by his owner. He posed as a runaway slave in order to get hired by the British to spy on the Patriot army. After the war, we was set free by the state of Virginia and changed his name to James Lafayette.

Leader of the American Revolution and a famous orator who spoke out against British rule of the American colonies. "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Female political writer during the Revolution; she wrote political tracts, plays, and poems that were published with the help of her friend John Adams. Her writings encouraged fellow colonists to become patriots.

King of England during the American Revolution

He was a French nobleman who volunteered to serve in Washington's Army. He persuaded the French king to send 6,000 soldiers to fight for American independence and also used his own money to buy supplies for American troops.

Commander of the Continental Army

He is the most famous Naval officer of the Revolution. He defeated the British warship, Serapis. During this famous naval battle, he coined the famous phrase, "I have not yet begun to fight."

English philosopher who advocated the idea of a "social contract" in which government powers are derived from the consent of the governed and in which the government serves the people; also said people have natural rights to life, liberty and property.

American Revolutionary leader and pamphleteer (born in England) who supported the American colonist's fight for independence and supported the French Revolution (1737-1809). Wrote Common Sense and the American Crisis.

Member of the Sons of Liberty and president of the Second Continental Congress; first person to sign the Declaration of Independence, uses his wealth to buy weapons for the militia.

Author of the Declaration of Independence, delegate from Virginia who attended the Second Continental Congress