These people had a big impact on the war or are famous today for what they did during the war.
EARLY LIFE
Paul Revere was born on January 1st, 1735 in Boston, Massachusetts. Revere's father was an artisan and a goldsmith. Revere was the oldest son, and he became his father's apprentice in his shop. When his father died, Revere took over the business and supported his family. Revere was a master goldsmith by the 1760s and was doing well. In the homes of the rich, there were items made by Revere like spoons and teapots.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Revere was part of the Boston Tea Party, where hundreds of crates of tea were thrown off of ships and into the ocean. Revere was also a courier the Boston Committee of Correspondence and the Massachusetts Committee of Safety. Revere is best known for his "Midnight Ride," though. On the night of April 18th, Revere was sent out from Lexington to inform John Hancock and Samuel Adams that the British were marching towards Concord. Revere's ride was made famous by the poem "Paul Revere's Midnight Ride," by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The poem dramatized what actually happened and is historically inaccurate. Some examples of inaccuracies are that Revere never actually shouted, "The British are coming!" Revere also did not ride alone. He rode with two others that night. Over the course of the rest of the war, Revere helped the Americans by supplying the army with supplies like cannons and gunpowder.
LATER LIFE AND LEGACY
After the war, Revere continued to work in his shop. He later opened a hardware store and a foundry. Revere retired from working in 1811, and died May 10th, 1818 at the age of 83. Revere is remembered today for his Midnight Ride and is a hero in American culture.
EARLY LIFE
Benedict Arnold was born on January 14th, 1741 in Norwich, Connecticut. Arnold's father was a successful businessman and had many children. However, when three of his children died from yellow fever, he began to drink a lot. Arnold had to take over for his family, as his father could not. His father died in 1761, after multiple arrests for drunkenness. Arnold settled in New Haven and worked as a pharmacist and bookseller. He also opened up trade connections with the West Indies. The Sugar Act and the Stamp Act restricted trade, and Arnold joined the Sons of Liberty, a secret group opposed to the acts imposed by the British Parliament. Arnold was arrested and charged a penalty after participating in an assault on an officer.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Arnold joined the Continental Army and led some troops. After Lexington and Concord, Arnold proposed and led the attack on Fort Ticonderoga. Arnold also proposed an invasion of Quebec but the Continental Congress didn't agree. Arnold convinced Washington to lead a second expedition by a wilderness route, though. Although Arnold led many successful missions, including the Battles of Saratoga, he made many enemies.
When the British withdrew from Philadelphia, Washington appointed Arnold military commander of the city. Arnold met and married Peggy Shippen while there. Peggy had met British officer John André, and he and Arnold began to work together. Soon after, Arnold was informing the British of troop locations, supply depot locations and more. When Arnold gained control of West Point, he purposely did not help the fort by not repairing it and draining its supplies. Arnold also was transferring some of his assets to England.
Arnold and André met in person on on September 21st, 1780. André was soon captured and papers explaining the West Point siege plot were discovered, exposing Arnold's role. André was hanged on October 2nd. Arnold soon began to fight for the British. In December of 1780, he led a force in Virginia, capturing Richmond and destroying supply caches. Arnold commanded the army until May of 1781, when Cornwallis took control.
When the British withdrew from Philadelphia, Washington appointed Arnold military commander of the city. Arnold met and married Peggy Shippen while there. Peggy had met British officer John André, and he and Arnold began to work together. Soon after, Arnold was informing the British of troop locations, supply depot locations and more. When Arnold gained control of West Point, he purposely did not help the fort by not repairing it and draining its supplies. Arnold also was transferring some of his assets to England.
Arnold and André met in person on on September 21st, 1780. André was soon captured and papers explaining the West Point siege plot were discovered, exposing Arnold's role. André was hanged on October 2nd. Arnold soon began to fight for the British. In December of 1780, he led a force in Virginia, capturing Richmond and destroying supply caches. Arnold commanded the army until May of 1781, when Cornwallis took control.
LATER LIFE AND LEGACY
After Arnold learned of the British surrender at Yorktown, he requested to return to England, which he did in December 1781. He lived in England for the rest of his life. He continued to trade but was not as successful as he once was. Arnold died on June 14th, 1801 at the age of 60. Arnold is remembered today in America as a traitor. His name as been removed from many Revolutionary War monuments.
EARLY LIFE
George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. Not much is known about Washington's early life. Washington was home schooled from ages seven to fifteen. When he was sixteen, Washington traveled with a surveying party to plot land in Virginia's west territory (not West Virginia). He became an official surveyor the next year, and he surveyed land for the next two years. He became very resourceful and was much better at knowing the land.
Washington had some military experience before the Revolutionary War. He helped in the French and Indian War. He was made a major in the Virginia militia. He fought for the British and he helped win some battles. He retired from his regiment in December of 1758. He applied for the British Army but was turned down. His experience during the war was generally frustrating, as he had been captured at one point, suffered from a friendly fire incident and had many other mishaps.
Washington married Martha Dandridge, who was fairly wealthy and increased the value of Mount Vernon, where Washington lived. Washington spent most of his time until the Revolution started to caring for his home and his land. He cared for his livestock, managed his crops, rode his horse and did many other daily tasks.
Washington had some military experience before the Revolutionary War. He helped in the French and Indian War. He was made a major in the Virginia militia. He fought for the British and he helped win some battles. He retired from his regiment in December of 1758. He applied for the British Army but was turned down. His experience during the war was generally frustrating, as he had been captured at one point, suffered from a friendly fire incident and had many other mishaps.
Washington married Martha Dandridge, who was fairly wealthy and increased the value of Mount Vernon, where Washington lived. Washington spent most of his time until the Revolution started to caring for his home and his land. He cared for his livestock, managed his crops, rode his horse and did many other daily tasks.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR
Washington was, at first, opposed to the colonies declaring independence. However, he wasn't opposed to the resistance from the colonies later on because he thought the British were violating the people's rights. He called for Virginia to boycott British goods until the Stamp Act was repealed. After the Intolerable Acts were passed in 1774, Washington chaired in a meeting in which it was decided that armed resistance should be used but only as a last resort.
After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Washington was appointed the Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington was the best choice because he was charismatic and already had a lot of experience commanding soldiers. Washington did not have as much experience commanding and maneuvering large armies, but he was determined and was usually one step ahead of the British.
In August of 1776 the British launched an attack and took New York City. Washington was routed and forced to surrender 2,800 troops. He retreated across the Delaware River, and the British general William Howe set up camp in Trenton and Princeton. On Christmas night, Washington crossed the Delaware again and attacked Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, forcing them to surrender. Washington evaded a force sent to destroy his army, and a few days later defeated the British at Princeton, boosting the morale of the Americans greatly.
General Howe believed that taking control of major American cities would put an end to the revolution. He attacked Philadelphia in the summer of 1777. Washington went to defend the city but was defeated at the Battle of Brandywine. Philadelphia fell to the British two weeks later. Washington realized that the political battle was just as important as the military one, and that keeping the revolution alive was more important than a city. The Continental Congress could just move to another city.
In the winter of 1777, Washington's 11,000 man force suffered many losses at Valley Forge, mainly due to the cold weather and disease. Howe was removed from the rank of general of the British Army and was replaced by Henry Clinton. The British left Philadelphia to return to New York City. Washington's army attacked the British multiple times on their way to New York, and they proved they were capable of open field battle. Washington never abandoned the idea of retaking New York but left the British there alone for a while. Washington instead looked to the south and British General Charles Cornwallis. Washington and the French traveled to Yorktown, Virginia, where Cornwallis was. Cornwallis was outnumbered and not able to fight both the Americans and the French. He surrendered on October 19th, 1781. By the end of 1783, the British had left New York and other cities they had soldiers in. The war was over.
Washington had not paid much attention to his land for the duration of the war. It was in poor condition, and he did not have as much money as he once did. Congress, however, gave him a generous land grant for his service during the war and his land's condition improved.
After the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Washington was appointed the Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Washington was the best choice because he was charismatic and already had a lot of experience commanding soldiers. Washington did not have as much experience commanding and maneuvering large armies, but he was determined and was usually one step ahead of the British.
In August of 1776 the British launched an attack and took New York City. Washington was routed and forced to surrender 2,800 troops. He retreated across the Delaware River, and the British general William Howe set up camp in Trenton and Princeton. On Christmas night, Washington crossed the Delaware again and attacked Hessian mercenaries at Trenton, forcing them to surrender. Washington evaded a force sent to destroy his army, and a few days later defeated the British at Princeton, boosting the morale of the Americans greatly.
General Howe believed that taking control of major American cities would put an end to the revolution. He attacked Philadelphia in the summer of 1777. Washington went to defend the city but was defeated at the Battle of Brandywine. Philadelphia fell to the British two weeks later. Washington realized that the political battle was just as important as the military one, and that keeping the revolution alive was more important than a city. The Continental Congress could just move to another city.
In the winter of 1777, Washington's 11,000 man force suffered many losses at Valley Forge, mainly due to the cold weather and disease. Howe was removed from the rank of general of the British Army and was replaced by Henry Clinton. The British left Philadelphia to return to New York City. Washington's army attacked the British multiple times on their way to New York, and they proved they were capable of open field battle. Washington never abandoned the idea of retaking New York but left the British there alone for a while. Washington instead looked to the south and British General Charles Cornwallis. Washington and the French traveled to Yorktown, Virginia, where Cornwallis was. Cornwallis was outnumbered and not able to fight both the Americans and the French. He surrendered on October 19th, 1781. By the end of 1783, the British had left New York and other cities they had soldiers in. The war was over.
Washington had not paid much attention to his land for the duration of the war. It was in poor condition, and he did not have as much money as he once did. Congress, however, gave him a generous land grant for his service during the war and his land's condition improved.
LATER LIFE AND LEGACY
Although America had won the war, the states were not unified and fought among each other often, over things like land boundaries and navigation rights. Washington knew something had to be done about it. In 1786, Congress approved a convention to be held to amend the Articles of Confederation. Washington was appointed president at the convention. The convention produced a plan that would help solve the country's problems and would also go on through time. Many were opposed to the passing of the Constitution, but it was ratified in the end.
Washington wanted to retire to Mount Vernon but was unable to. During the presidential election of 1789, Washington was voted by every elector, the only president to be unanimously voted. Washington knew that as the first president, he would set the example for all others to follow. He chose to be referred to as "Mr. President" and declined the salary proposed by Congress at first. However, Congress said that Washington should accept the salary so people wouldn't think that only the rich could become president.
Washington gathered many capable men who could help, like Thomas Jefferson, who was appointed as Secretary of State. He consulted with his advisers often before making a decision. He never took advantage of his power but used it with restraint, integrity and respect. Washington tried to reduce the country's debt. He placed taxes on distilled spirits, and some parts of Pennsylvania rioted. The riots turned into a full scale defiance of the law, known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington passed the Militia Act, which summoned militias from multiple states to help put down the rebellion.
Washington was concerned with foreign affairs, especially those with Britain and France. Britain and France were at war in 1793, and Washington decided to break the alliance with France in order to remain neutral. Washington sent John Jay to negotiate a treaty (the Jay Treaty) with Britain. This treaty was controversial, but beneficial as well. The treaty delayed a war between Britain and American and opened up trade between the two countries for a decade, which gave America a lot of money and development, which it was in need of.
Washington decided that a third term would not be good for him. Although he would have likely received little opposition, he was getting older and his health was getting worse. Washington decided to retire and live on Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon was not in good condition, as Washington had been living in New York for his presidential terms. On December 12th, 1799, Washington spent most of the day inspecting his land. When he got home, he ate his dinner quickly in his wet clothes and went to bed. He woke up the next day with a sore throat that became increasingly hoarse. He went to work but came back early. He awoke at around 3 A.M. on December 14th and told Martha he did not feel well. Washington died later in the evening. National mourning took place for a long time. The British fleet paid a tribute to him, and Napoleon held national mourning for 10 days.
Washington set the example for all presidents to follow. Washington could have been the "king" of America, but instead decided to lead a modest life and did not consider himself to be any more than the common people. The Revolutionary War would have been much different without him, and he has been claimed to have been absolutely necessary to the war.
Washington wanted to retire to Mount Vernon but was unable to. During the presidential election of 1789, Washington was voted by every elector, the only president to be unanimously voted. Washington knew that as the first president, he would set the example for all others to follow. He chose to be referred to as "Mr. President" and declined the salary proposed by Congress at first. However, Congress said that Washington should accept the salary so people wouldn't think that only the rich could become president.
Washington gathered many capable men who could help, like Thomas Jefferson, who was appointed as Secretary of State. He consulted with his advisers often before making a decision. He never took advantage of his power but used it with restraint, integrity and respect. Washington tried to reduce the country's debt. He placed taxes on distilled spirits, and some parts of Pennsylvania rioted. The riots turned into a full scale defiance of the law, known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington passed the Militia Act, which summoned militias from multiple states to help put down the rebellion.
Washington was concerned with foreign affairs, especially those with Britain and France. Britain and France were at war in 1793, and Washington decided to break the alliance with France in order to remain neutral. Washington sent John Jay to negotiate a treaty (the Jay Treaty) with Britain. This treaty was controversial, but beneficial as well. The treaty delayed a war between Britain and American and opened up trade between the two countries for a decade, which gave America a lot of money and development, which it was in need of.
Washington decided that a third term would not be good for him. Although he would have likely received little opposition, he was getting older and his health was getting worse. Washington decided to retire and live on Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon was not in good condition, as Washington had been living in New York for his presidential terms. On December 12th, 1799, Washington spent most of the day inspecting his land. When he got home, he ate his dinner quickly in his wet clothes and went to bed. He woke up the next day with a sore throat that became increasingly hoarse. He went to work but came back early. He awoke at around 3 A.M. on December 14th and told Martha he did not feel well. Washington died later in the evening. National mourning took place for a long time. The British fleet paid a tribute to him, and Napoleon held national mourning for 10 days.
Washington set the example for all presidents to follow. Washington could have been the "king" of America, but instead decided to lead a modest life and did not consider himself to be any more than the common people. The Revolutionary War would have been much different without him, and he has been claimed to have been absolutely necessary to the war.