People who changed the United States

People who changed the United States

A list of over 50 people who changed America and helped to influence the United States.

18th Century

Thomas Jefferson  (1743-1826) was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which asserted rights and freedoms of American citizens. Thomas Jefferson passed the Statue of Religious Liberty for Virginia, which was an early right to give freedom of worship. Jefferson was president 1800-1808 and oversaw the expansion of American territory in the West.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-American political writer. His pamphlet Common Sense (1776) helped create public support for the idea of American independence from Great Britain. He wrote many articles in support of political revolution and republican ideals.
Benjamin Franklin  (1706-1790) played a key role in encouraging the diverse colonies to join together in the war of independence. He later served as American ambassador to France and helped to cement the new U.S foreign status. Franklin was also a polymath, who amongst other achievements showed lightning could conduct electricity.
George Washington (1732–1799) served as Commander in Chief of the American forces during the War of Independence. His tactical skills helped the American army defeat the British despite losing some battles. George Washington also served as first US president.
Alexander Hamilton (1755-1804) was a Founding Father, who served as the first United States Secretary of the Treasury. He established a national bank, a taxation system to pay off debt and negotiated trade deals with Great Britain.
James Madison (1751-1836) was the fourth president of the US (1809-1817) and was responsible for drafting the United States Constitution and the United States Bill of Rights. In 1788, along with Hamilton and John Jay, he wrote the Federalist Papers, which strongly advocated support for the US constitution.