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George Washington wasn’t the only American freedom fighter.
Many people helped win the fight for independence from Britain. How would you have liked to help?
Thomas Jefferson played many important roles. He helped write the Declaration of Independence. After the American Revolution, he went to France as a representative of the United States. Then Jefferson became the nation’s third president. ▶
▲ Peter Salem was enslaved, but he wanted to fight in the American Revolution. When he joined the colonial army, Salem was given his freedom. He served in the army for five years during the war.
◀ Molly Hays brought pitchers of water to soldiers during the Battle at Monmouth. That’s how she became known as Molly Pitcher. Her husband collapsed during the battle, so she operated his cannon. She was later honored for bravery.
▲ Deborah Sampson wanted to help fight for America’s freedom. But women could not join the army. So Sampson dressed as a man and signed up anyway. She served with honor and pride.
▲ Samuel Adams strongly supported the colonies’ independence. He helped organize the Boston Tea Party. It showed that many colonists did not like the tea tax. Samuel Adams also signed the Declaration of Independence.
▲ Young people fought in the American Revolution, too. Andrew Jackson joined the army when he was only 13 years old! Later, he became a major general in the U.S. Army and the seventh U.S. president.
▲ John Adams helped write the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The Constitution tells how our government works. Adams became the second president of the United States.
Try This!
Identify your favorite American Revolution freedom fighter. Find out more about him or her. Then tell your classmates what you learned.
