Famous Americans

Throughout US history, certain people stood up for what was right, solved big problems, or led the country through tough times. Their courage and big ideas changed MILLIONS of lives. Today you will meet 5 famous Americans every student should know.

Washington led American soldiers to win the Revolutionary War against Britain. Then he became the FIRST President of the United States.\n\nWhy he matters:\n- He could have become a king — but chose to step down after 8 years\n- Set the example of peaceful power transfer\n- "First in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen"\n\nHe is on the $1 bill and the quarter.

Lincoln was the 16th President. He led the country through the Civil War — the bloodiest war in US history.\n\nWhy he matters:\n- **FREED enslaved people** with the Emancipation Proclamation (1863)\n- Kept the country together when it almost broke apart\n- Wrote beautiful speeches like the Gettysburg Address\n- Was assassinated just days after the war ended\n\nHe is on the penny and the $5 bill.

Tubman was born into slavery in Maryland. She escaped to freedom at age 27 — and then RISKED HER LIFE over and over to free others.\n\nWhy she matters:\n- Made 13 trips back into slave territory\n- Helped 70+ enslaved people escape through the Underground Railroad\n- Served as a Union spy during the Civil War\n- "I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger"\n\nA new $20 bill will feature her face.

Dr. King was a Baptist minister who led the Civil Rights Movement. He fought to END segregation (laws separating people by race) using PEACEFUL protest.\n\nWhy he matters:\n- "I Have a Dream" speech (1963) — one of the most famous speeches ever\n- Led marches that brought huge change\n- Won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964\n- Helped pass the Civil Rights Act (1964) and Voting Rights Act (1965)\n- Was assassinated in 1968\n\nMartin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday.

Ginsburg was a lawyer who fought for EQUAL RIGHTS, especially for women. She became the 2nd woman on the Supreme Court.\n\nWhy she matters:\n- Argued cases that ENDED unfair laws against women\n- Served 27 years on the Supreme Court\n- Became a pop-culture icon known as "The Notorious RBG"\n- Worked out at the gym at 80+ years old!\n\nHer famous words: "Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you."