Leaders & Writers of the American Revolution

Phillis Wheatley

Woman who wrote and published poetry supporting American independence.

Patrick Henry

Leader within the Virginia House of Burgesses who delivered speeches encouraging independence; known for, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

George Washington

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

John Locke

The British philosopher who wrote that governments have a duty to protect the rights of the people; his ideas were used to write the DOI.

Thomas Paine

Considered the "Father of the American Revolution" for publishing "Common Sense" and persuading people to join the cause for independence.

King George III

King of England during the American Revolution

Benjamin Franklin

Printer, author, inventor, diplomat, statesman, and Founding Father. One of the few Americans who was highly respected in Europe, primarily due to his discoveries in the field of electricity.

Charles Cornwallis

Best remembered as one of the leading British Generals in The American Revolutionary War. His 1781 defeat by a combined American-French force at the Siege of Yorktown is generally considered the end of war.

John Adams

America's first Vice-President and second President. Sponsor of the American Revolution in Massachusetts, major leader in the creation of the DOI, defender of the British soldiers of the Boston Massacre.

Thomas Jefferson

Main author of the DOI, America's third president, and leader from Virginia.

Quote from John Adams

"Facts are stubborn things...our passions cannot alter the state of facts and evidence."

Quote from King George III

"...everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor and a scoundrel."

Quote from Thomas Paine

"These are the times that try a men's souls...those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, ...undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

Quote from Patrick Henry

"I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty and give me death!"

Quote from Ben Franklin

"I wish the bald eagle had not be chosen as the representative of our country...the turkey is a more respectable bird."

Quote from Thomas Jefferson

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal...with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."