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Influential Figures Of The American Revolution Essay

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Influential Figures of the American Revolution and War This essay identifies and examines four leading figures from the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War. These key leaders individually made lasting contributions and influences, both for and against, the development of the American Revolution and War. The leaders are as follows: George Grenville, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Grenville, Paine, and Jefferson contributions were made through written word: acts, pamphlets, and declarations. Washington impacted the revolution and war by becoming perhaps the greatest leader in American history.
George Grenville George Grenville was born on October 14, 1712 in Buckinghamshire, England. Lord Grenville political life began in 1741 as a member of the British Parliament. He infamously enacted the Stamp Act prior to the Revolutionary War. The Stamp Act was to provide revenue to the British government for the debt incurred during the seven …show more content…

Washington’s military experience came from his time served in the colonial militia fighting with British in the French-Indian War. Upon conclusion of the war, Major Washington applied to become an officer in the British Army. Much to his chagrain, Washington was rejected and possibly carried disdain throughout the war of independence. Washington was elected commander in chief because he was a large Virginia landowner and held the swing vote to include the southern colonies in the war. According to Harvey (2008), “The choice of Washington was dictacted by the need to secure the support of the southern plantation states and to deny the job to the wealthy John Hancock--- who lacked any military qualifications” (p. 41). He served as a linchpin incorporating all 13 colonies in the war against the highly regarded British

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