The USA Wouldn't Exist Without Them

We all know about the founding fathers, but what about the many other understated heroes who played their part in winning America's independence? From philosophers who inspired the country's patriotic rhetoric to the brave women who cared for the soldiers under fire, let's give recognition to both the major and minor players of the Revolutionary War. Here are 20 key figures. 

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1. George Washington

Arguably the most significant figure in the American Revolutionary War, George Washington was commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Once the US won its independence, he became the first US president. 

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2. Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson wrote almost all of the American Declaration of Independence himself. He also served as governor of Virginia after the country won its independence. 

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3. John Adams

John Adams was the second US president after George Washington. His role in the American Revolutionary War was as a diplomat in Europe who advocated for the US's independence. He was also a major decision-maker and helped to establish the Continental Army. 

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4. Samuel Adams

Samuel Adams was one of the leaders of the Sons of Liberty who formed the initial opposition to the British. He played a key role in organizing the Boston Tea Party, one of the biggest firestarters for the revolution. He later served as the governor of Massachusetts.

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5. Benjamin Franklin

Banjamin Franklin was the negotiator at the Treaty of Paris which ended the war and granted the US its independence. He also rallied France's support for the American Revolution. 

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6. Marquis de Lafayette

Marquis de Lafayette was a major general in the Continental Army. He went to France to gather more troops at a crucial time in the war, greatly improving morale and America's chances of victory. 

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7. Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine was a political philosopher whose writings Common Sense and The American Crisis inspired the American Revolution and patriotism. He also served in the Continental Army but wasn't very successful as a soldier.

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8. Henry Knox

Henry Knox was chief artillery officer for the Continental Army. He's famous for leading Washington's famous Delaware River crossing. 

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9. John Paul Jones

Known as the father of the American navy, John Paul Jones was famous for his naval victories. He's remembered for destroying key British fisheries off the coast of Nova Scotia and capturing 16 British vessels.

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10. Benedict Arnold

Benedict Arnold was a brilliant army general who led the Americans to victory at the Battle of Saratoga which influenced the French into entering the war. He's also infamous for betraying America, going down in history as the country's first treason case. 

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11. Abigail Adams

You know what they say: behind every wise man is a woman whispering in his ear. This was certainly the case with John Adams and his wife, Abigail. She was an early advocate for women's rights and her husband's closest advisor.

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12. John Jay

John Jay played a crucial role in leading counterintelligence operations. He was also one of the main authors of The Federalist Papers which promoted and spread the new principals of government. 

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13. Richard Henry Lee

Richard Henry Lee was a participant in many of the key events of the revoution including The Stamp Act. He introduced the motion that led to the signing of the Declaration of Independence and was part of the committee that named George Washington the leader of the Continental Army. 

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14. George Mason

George Mason is known as the "forgotten father" for his understated behind-the-scenes role in the revolution. He authored the Virginia Declaration of Rights which was the model for the Bill of Rights.

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15. Molly Pitcher

Molly Pitcher played a crucial role in taking care of the troops, bringing them water and running ammunition to the gunners. She also helped load and fire her husband's gun after he was wounded. 

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16. Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale was an American patriot, soldier, and spy. He went down in history for his famous last words before he was executed by the British: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

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17. James Armistead Lafayette

James Armistead Lafayette was an enslaved African American who spied for the Continental Army. He alerted Washington that the British were sending 10,000 troops to Yorktown, helping the Americans secure a victory there.

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18. Baron von Steuben

Baron von Steuben was a Prussian military officer who was appointed Inspector General of the Continental Army. He played a crucial role in training American troops.

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19. Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry was one of Virginia's leading advocates for independence who helped form the First Continental Congress, a meeting of delegates organized to coordinate a response to British policies. He's famous for his "Give me liberty, or give me death!" speech.

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20. Nathanael Greene

An important general in the Revolutionary War, Nathanael Greene led a campaign that ended British occupation of the South. He was one of Washington's most trusted confidants. 

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