APUSH Key Figures

Benjamin Franklin

A key founding father of the United States, known for his contributions to the American Enlightenment, diplomatic efforts in France during the Revolutionary War, and as a signer of the Declaration of Independence

• scientist, inventor, author, printer, and diplomat (electricity, lightning rod)

Thomas Paine

• An English-American political activist and philosopher who wrote several influential pamphlets in the late 18th century, including "Common Sense" and "The Rights of Man".

• He was a major figure in the American and French Revolutions and his work helped to inspire both.

George Washington

• The first President of the United States and a key military commander during the American Revolution.

• called the "Father of His Country"

• known for his leadership and statesmanship.

John Adams

• The second President of the United States and one of the Founding Fathers.

• He played a key role in the American Revolution and was instrumental in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

Thomas Jefferson

• The third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. (Founding father)

• He was a proponent of democracy and individual rights, and served as the U.S. Minister to France.

James Madison

• The fourth President of the United States and one of the authors of the US Constitution.

• He played a key role in shaping the early American government and was a strong proponent of individual rights and religious freedom.

Alexander Hamilton

• An American statesman and Founding Father who was a key figure in the development of the US financial system.

• He served as the first Secretary of the Treasury and played a major role in shaping early American economic policy.

• Wrote the majority of the Federalist Papers

Andrew Jackson

• The seventh President of the United States known for his populist appeal and strong presidency. He implemented policies that led to the forceful removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, known as the Trail of Tears.

• Also known for Indian Removal Act, forcibly relocated Naive Americans from their ancestral lands

• Opposed the national bank

• Controversial figure

Henry Clay

A prominent American statesman and politician who played a significant role in the House of Representatives and the Senate. Known for his efforts in crafting compromises on issues such as slavery and the economy, he was instrumental in the Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850.

• also played key role in development of American economic policy, particularly with regard to tariffs and internal improvements.

Abraham Lincoln

• The 16th President of the United States and one of the most important figures in American history.

• He is known for his leadership during the Civil War and for his efforts to end slavery in the United States.

Jane Addams

A pioneering social reformer and activist known for co-founding Hull House in Chicago, she was a leader in the settlement house movement and advocated for women's suffrage, labor rights, and peace.

Woodrow Wilson

• The 28th President of the United States and a key figure in the early 20th century.

  • He is known for his leadership during World War I and for his efforts to establish the League of Nations.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

The 32nd President of the United States who served four terms and led the country through the Great Depression and World War II, implementing the New Deal to promote economic recovery.

• New Deal was a series of policies aimed at promoting economic recovery and reform

Lyndon B. Johnson

The 36th President of the United States who assumed office after the assassination of John F. Kennedy and is known for his Great Society programs aimed at eliminating poverty and racial injustice.

• Passed major social welfare legislation like the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act

Martin Luther King Jr.

• An American Baptist minister and civil rights leader who played a central role in the African American civil rights movement.

• He is known for his advocacy of nonviolent resistance and his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, which he delivered during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963.He sought to combat racial segregation and discrimination through peaceful protests and civil disobedience.

Ronald Reagan

• The 40th President of the United States and a leading figure in the conservative movement. He is known for his efforts to promote free-market capitalism and his tough stance against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

• He is also credited with helping to restore American confidence and pride following a period of economic and political turmoil.