The American Revolution
Key People
4 TH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES
SS4H4 The student will explain the causes, events,
and results of the American Revolution.
d. Describe key individuals in the American Revolution
with emphasis on King George III, George Washington,
Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold,
Patrick Henry, and John Adams.
Essential Question:
Who were the key individuals
in the American Revolution
and why are they
remembered today?
Important People
King George III
• British king during the
American Revolution
• Made colonists pay
unfair taxes to help
England pay for the
French and Indian War
• British king who lost the
colonies
Important People
George Washington
• Soldier during the French
and Indian War
• Commander in Chief
(leader) of the Continental
Army
 First President of the
United States
Important People
Benjamin Franklin
• Colonial leader who was
also an inventor and a
scientist
 Member of the
Declaration of
Independence committee
 Delegate to the
Constitutional Convention
Important People
Thomas Jefferson
 Leader of the Declaration
of Independence
committee
 Main author of the
Declaration of
Independence
 Gifted writer
 Third President of the
United States
Important People
Benedict Arnold
• Former General for the
Continental Army
• Turned against the
Americans
 Joined the British Army
 Known as an American
traitor
 Charged with treason
Important People
Patrick Henry
• Political leader from
Virginia
• Known for his famous
speeches
• Helped inspire the
American Revolution with
his words, “Give me
liberty, or give me death!”
Important People
John Adams
• Massachusetts lawyer
 Member of the Declaration
of Independence
committee
• Member of Sons of Liberty
• Protested against the
Stamp Act
 Second President of the
United States
Your Challenge
Create a poster highlighting important facts
about a key person from the American
Revolution.
The Philadelphia Campaign
Rebus Writing
In the 1700's, a favorite amusement
was to write rebus letters. Pictures
represented words. The following
examples are all from the letter
published by M. Darly in 1778.
bee + hold = BEHOLD
moth + er = MOTHER
That is a can.
Remember it’s
the 18th century.
can + knot = CANNOT
b + ring = BRING
Your Challenge
Create a poster highlighting important facts
about a key person from the American
Revolution.
Your poster should include at least 2 facts about the
person.
You should use more than 1 rebus.
Prepare to present your poster to the class.
Your classmates will try to identify your key person
from the American Revolution, so make sure the
facts are accurate.