American Revolution

1. American Revolution

2. George Washington • Remains of of America’s most famous people • His greatest contributions were as military commander and then the republic’s first president. • In role as military commander he took a mob of untrained soldiers and turned them into a an effective combat unit.

3. Politically, he was an avid believer in the need for a strong, central government-he supported the need for constitution • Only won a 3rd of his battles • American Revolution would have taken a much different course without him.

4. Thomas Jefferson • He was shy, reserved, softly spoke and nervous man • His words in written format impacted on the revolutionary determination of Americans. • Wrote ‘Declaration of Independence’

5. Originally ‘Declaration of Independence’ was a list of complaints against the King. • He wrote ‘Declaration of Independence’ clearly and passionatley-which is why is reached out to so many Americans • Still regarded as one of America’s greatest campaigners and supporters of political freedom.

6. Thomas Paine • Arrived in America in 1774 • His pamphlet ‘Common Sense’ laid the advantages of being independent and disadvantages of being ruled by a monarchy. • ‘Common Sense’ was a best-seller.

7. He launched ‘The American Crisis’ a pamphlet which prompted men to re-enlist in war. • He declined to accept profit so his pamphlets would reach a wider audience • Died broke and forgotten in history. • Not until the 20th century that historians relaunched Thomas Paine as an important contributor to the American Revolution.

8. Benjamin Franklin • One of the 18th centuries most prolific inventors • Objected to Stamp Act • Became a delegate at Second Continental Congress

9. Treaty of alliance between France and America • Contributed to the writing of ‘The Declaration of Independence’ • He helped draft treaties and trade agreements • Lead a delegation to France to secure military alliance-this was eventually achieved