16 Key Figures for AP United States History (APUSH)

This guide outlines the 16 most important historical figures that students need to know well for AP United States History. These individuals played crucial roles in shaping the nation's history and are often the focus of study and examination.

Founding Fathers and Early Political Leaders

• Benjamin Franklin

  • Founding Father, scientist, inventor, author, printer, diplomat.
  • Key contributions: development of electricity, lightning rod, diplomatic work during the American Revolution.

• Thomas Paine

  • Political activist and philosopher, English-American.
  • Wrote influential pamphlets like "Common Sense" and "The Rights of Man."
  • Inspired the American and French Revolutions.

• George Washington

  • First President of the United States, key military commander during the American Revolution.
  • "Father of His Country."
  • Noted for leadership and statesmanship.

• John Adams

  • Second President of the United States, Founding Father.
  • Key role in the American Revolution, helped draft the Declaration of Independence.

• Thomas Jefferson

  • Third President of the United States, Founding Father.
  • Drafted the Declaration of Independence, advocated for democracy and individual rights.

• James Madison

  • Fourth President of the United States, co-author of the US Constitution.
  • Key figure in shaping early American government, supported individual rights and religious freedom.

• Alexander Hamilton

  • Statesman, Founding Father, first Secretary of the Treasury.
  • Key figure in developing the US financial system and early economic policy.

19th Century Leaders

• Andrew Jackson

  • Seventh President, controversial figure.
  • Known for Indian Removal Act and opposition to the national bank.

• Henry Clay

  • Statesman and orator, served in House of Representatives and Senate.
  • Influential in American economic policy, tariffs, and internal improvements.

• Abraham Lincoln

  • 16th President, led the nation during the Civil War.
  • Endeavored to end slavery, significant figure in American history.

Social Reformers and 20th Century Leaders

• Jane Addams

  • Social reformer, co-founded Hull House in Chicago.
  • Advocate for peace and women's rights.

• Woodrow Wilson

  • 28th President, led during WWI.
  • Known for establishing the League of Nations.

• Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)

  • 32nd President, central figure during the Great Depression and WWII.
  • Developed the New Deal policies for economic recovery and reform.

• Lyndon B. Johnson

  • 36th President, key in the civil rights movement.
  • Passed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.

• Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Civil rights leader, Baptist minister.
  • Central to the African American civil rights movement, known for nonviolent resistance and "I Have a Dream" speech.

• Ronald Reagan

  • 40th President, major figure in the conservative movement.
  • Promoted free-market capitalism, opposed the Soviet Union during the Cold War, restored American confidence.