A Virginian planter who takes command of the Continental Army and emerges as a central leader of the American republic. He approaches his command with caution and a defensive military strategy, working to keep the army intact against the better-equipped British forces. He consistently models civic restraint by respecting civilian authority, which helps establish early republican norms for the new nation.

The King of Great Britain who presides over an era of aggressive imperial reorganization and colonial taxation. His well-intentioned but rigid policies contribute heavily to political instability across the empire. To the American colonists, he serves as the primary symbol of corruption and oppression, giving them an ideological focal point for their resistance.

A Virginian statesman and political philosopher who provides the primary intellectual framework for American independence. He drafts the Declaration of Independence, embedding Enlightenment concepts of natural rights and equality into the foundation of the new government. His life and writings frequently highlight the contradiction of a liberty-focused revolution occurring in a society dependent on slavery.

A Virginia statesman and political theorist focused on the mechanics of creating a durable republican government. He addresses the problem of legislative instability and self-interest by helping design a federal system capable of governing a large territory. He actively defends this new framework through extensive writings, arguing that a larger, more diverse nation will prevent any single faction from achieving dominance.

An American statesman, intellectual, and senior diplomat. He bridges the gap between revolutionary idealism and European diplomacy, promoting a vision of international relations built on free commerce rather than military or dynastic alliances. His international prestige proves essential for securing foreign support for the revolutionary cause.

An English-born writer and pamphleteer who dramatically changes the colonial conversation regarding independence. He abandons elite, formal rhetoric for a plain, forceful style that ordinary colonists can easily understand. His work directly attacks the institution of monarchy and frames the American struggle as a universal defense of liberty.

A lawyer and theorist from Massachusetts who pushes forcefully for a formal break from Great Britain. He dedicates significant effort to statecraft and the intellectual foundation of the new republic, championing the separation of powers and balanced government. He is deeply involved in diplomatic missions that help establish the nation's legal standing abroad.

A radical Boston political figure who excels at grassroots organizing and popular mobilization. He builds the infrastructure for colonial resistance by establishing intercolonial committees and coordinating local protests. He envisions the new republic as a highly disciplined, virtuous community, occasionally referring to it as a "Christian Sparta."

A Revolutionary War officer and prominent advocate for an energetic, centralized national government. He envisions the United States as a powerful commercial state capable of managing its own credit and defending itself against European empires. He approaches government with an eye toward administrative efficiency and fiscal strength rather than agrarian idealism.

A fiery lawyer and politician from Virginia who becomes one of the earliest and most vocal opponents of parliamentary taxation. He introduces resolves against the Stamp Act and relies heavily on dramatic rhetoric to rally opposition to British policies. He later expresses deep concerns regarding the institution of slavery, though he struggles to implement systemic abolition.

A wealthy Boston merchant whose commercial disputes with the British government escalate into major colonial protests. The targeting of his shipping business by emboldened customs agents sparks severe rioting and highlights the growing friction between American commerce and imperial taxation.

The royal governor of Massachusetts who attempts to enforce British authority in an increasingly hostile environment. He struggles to understand the new, popular political tactics used by American radicals, often attempting to use traditional patronage to buy off opponents before realizing the depth of the resistance.

The British prime minister who oversees the empire's response to the escalating colonial crisis. He attempts a partial retreat by repealing most of the Townshend duties but deliberately retains the tax on tea to assert British authority, a decision that ultimately provokes further rebellion.

A New York lawyer and statesman heavily involved in the political architecture of the new nation. He recognizes the radical nature of state-building and later teams up with Hamilton and Madison to publicly defend the new federal Constitution through written essays.

A British military commander tasked with restoring imperial control in the South. His campaign faces constant harassment from local militias and evasive tactics from the Continental Army, ultimately culminating in his entrapment and surrender at Yorktown.

An English radical journalist and member of Parliament. His repeated persecution by the crown turns him into a powerful transatlantic symbol of opposition to tyranny, heavily influencing American colonial sentiment.

An Ottawa chief who coordinates a massive uprising against British expansion in the backcountry. His successful destruction of multiple British outposts forces imperial officials to rethink their frontier policies and station a standing army in America.

A Philadelphia lawyer who provides crucial early intellectual resistance to the Townshend Acts. While he firmly denies Parliament's right to tax the colonies, he initially seeks a moderate path that maintains a supervisory role for Britain to avoid complete separation.

An American general who takes command of the southern campaign. Rather than engaging in large, decisive battles, he uses evasion and localized skirmishes to weaken British forces and drain their supplies.

A British general whose campaign in New York fails completely. His surrender of a major army at Saratoga demonstrates to the world that American forces can defeat British regulars, bringing France openly into the conflict.

An American financier and nationalist who works to manage the failing economy during the Confederation period. His efforts to institute financial reforms are frequently blocked by individual states, highlighting the structural weaknesses of the national government.