George Washington did not win the Revolution alone. Many people helped, in many different ways.
Key idea
Paul Revere rode at night to warn that British soldiers were coming. Ben Franklin went to France and won its help. Soldiers, sailors and families of every background served.
Why it works
On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode to warn the towns near Boston. Ben Franklin, a famous writer and inventor, convinced France to send soldiers, ships and money. A young Frenchman, the Marquis de Lafayette, fought beside Washington. About 5,000 Black soldiers served in the American army. Women ran farms and shops while the men were away, and a few, like Deborah Sampson, even dressed as men to join the army.
Common mistake
Some children think only generals won the war. Farmers, women, Black soldiers and sailors, Native allies and friends from France all played a part. Most were people whose names we do not know.
For the grown-up: Abigail Adams wrote to her husband John in 1776 asking him to "remember the ladies" in the new laws. Some Native nations, like the Oneida, sided with the Americans; others sided with Britain.