People of the American Revolution
When the Revolution broke out, many people had to make a choice. Would they join the Continental Army and help George Washington fight against the powerful British? Would they stay home to protect their families and towns from destruction? Would they use the Revolution as an opportunity to protect lands, or gain freedom? Scroll to learn more about the people of the American Revolution.
George Washington
George Washington was voted as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. If he failed, he surely would have been tried and hung for treason against the British.
Learn more about Washington
Continental Leaders
George Washington had many other officers helping him fight the war - all with different backgrounds, experiences, and stories.
Learn about Continental Officers
British Leaders
The British opened fire at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. They fought Continental, French, Spanish, and indigenous forces for the next seven years under various leadership.
Learn more about British officers
Treason in War
At the beginning of the war, Benedict Arnold fought alongside Washington. But as Arnold got passed up for a promotion - and met his wife's British friends - he began to reconsider.
Freedom in War
When a British warship approached Mount Vernon, many enslaved individuals fled aboard it, using the opportunity to gain their freedom. Washington's manager took note of who was missing, creating this list.
A Hairy Encounter
Some people - like Kitty Livingston - admired Washington and his position. Livingston liked Washington so much, that she asked for a lock of his hair. He replied with this message.
Available Resources
Interested in researching the people of the Revolution? Explore these sources!
- Washington's Officers
- The British Officers
- African Americans in the Revolutionary War
- Washington on British Attacks at Mount Vernon
- HMS Savage List
- HMS Savage - Story
- British Map: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton
- The Winter Patriots
- Painting: George Washington after Princeton
- George Washington to Kitty Livingston
- Video: Now or Never, the Battle of Yorktown
- The Newburgh Address
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