King George III

1. King George III King of Great Britain during American Revolution Inherited the throne at the age of 12 and became king in 1760 He was born with a disease that would eventually make him deaf, blind, and would cause him to lose his mind. He had to keep advisors, including Charles Townshend, around him to help him accomplish tasks while in the throne. After the French and Indian War, his popularity declined in the American colonies He set taxes that the colonists refused to pay, which made him even more upset. When the colonists accepted the Declaration of Independence, it was the first time this had ever been done to a king.

2. Benjamin Franklin • Philadelphia printer, patriot, and inventor (Franklin stove, medical catheter, lightning rod, swim-fins, improvements to glass harmonica and possibly bifocals) • Drew “Join or Die” political cartoon • Delegate for the Second Continental Congress • Helped draft the Declaration of Independence

3. Thomas Jefferson • Known as a “renaissance man” in early America • He was a lawyer, author, musician, poet, and scientist • After hearing a speech at the House of Burgesses in response the Stamp Act, he began his efforts to fight for freedom • In 1776, he was asked to put the thoughts and desires of the colonists onto paper to construct the Declaration of Independence • He served as Vice President under President John Adams, and then became president himself in 1801 • He is most remembered for the Louisiana Purchase, which acquired land west of the Mississippi River for America, doubling the size of the existing country • He died at the age of 83 on July 4th

4. George Washington • Raised by his half-brother, Lawrence, George Washington grew up in the militia life and learned the trade of running a plantation • He fought in the French and Indian War, but when his brother died suddenly, he returned to take care of his plantation. • As colonists decided to fight against King George’s taxes, he was asked to take charge of the unorganized local militia • After the war, the congress of the nation needed a leader, so they chose George Washington, which he accepted and became the first president of the United States of America. • After serving for 8 years, he voluntarily relinquished his powers, a hug step in this new democratic form of government

5. Patrick Henry • Mainly known for his ability to talk—the greatest orator America has ever seen • Was a member of the House of Burgesses in 1765 • Along with Samuel Adams and Thomas Paine, he was one of the three that spoke out against the Stamp Act • In a powerful speech made to the colonists, he said the famous words, “Give me liberty or give me death.” • Even though some accused him of treason, he responded, “If this is treason, make the most of it,” and continued his protests • He at first did not support a constitution that made rules for all of the colonies, but after the Bill of Rights was added, he showed his support and continued until his last days

6. Thomas Paine • A profound writer whose famous pamphlet Common Sense convinced thousands to rebel against the “royal brute,” King George III • Common Sense was written in a style that common people understood • His writings were said to flow like a sermon with several Biblical references, regarding topics such as how he believed a government should be run • His radical views brought trouble his way, declaring him and outlaw in England

7. King George III Thomas Jefferson Benjamin Franklin Thomas Paine George Washington Patrick Henry