Key Figures in American Independence

Principal Leaders

• George Washington: Continental Army Commander-in-Chief, first President.
• Thomas Jefferson: Declaration of Independence author, third President.
• Benjamin Franklin: Diplomat, scientist, Treaty of Paris negotiator.
• John Adams: Continental Congress leader, second President.
• Alexander Hamilton: First Treasury Secretary, strong central government advocate.

Other Notable Figures

• Samuel Adams (Boston Tea Party organizer)
• Patrick Henry (Virginia revolutionary orator)
• Ethan Allen (Green Mountain Boys leader)
• Benedict Arnold (turned traitor)
• Betsy Ross (first flag maker)
• Phillis Wheatley (published African American poet)

Ordinary Citizens

Thousands of farmers, laborers, merchants, enslaved people, and women fought, supplied troops, and cared for the wounded.