Famous Americans

Grade 1 · Social Studies · Study Guide

Learn about important people who helped make America a great country.

America has many famous people who did important things to help others and make our country better.

George Washington was the first President of the United States. He led soldiers during the Revolutionary War and helped start our country.

Abraham Lincoln was another great President. He worked to end slavery so that all people could be free. He is on the penny and the five dollar bill.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader who believed all people should be treated fairly, no matter what they look like. He gave famous speeches and helped change laws so everyone had equal rights.

Amelia Earhart was the first woman to fly an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean all by herself. She showed that girls could do amazing things.

Benjamin Franklin was a scientist and leader who discovered that lightning is electricity. He also helped write important papers that started our country.

These famous Americans were brave, kind, and hardworking. They made choices that helped millions of people. We remember them because their actions made America and the world a better place.

Key terms

President
The leader of the United States government
freedom
The right to make your own choices and live your life without being controlled
equal rights
The idea that all people should be treated the same and fairly
slavery
A terrible time in history when some people were forced to work without freedom or pay
inventor
A person who creates or discovers something new

Flashcards

George Washington
The first President of the United States who helped start our country
Abraham Lincoln
A President who worked to end slavery and free all people
Martin Luther King Jr.
A leader who fought for equal rights for all people
Amelia Earhart
The first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean
Benjamin Franklin
A scientist and leader who discovered lightning is electricity
Revolutionary War
The war that helped America become a free country
President
The top leader of the United States

Questions

  1. Who was the first President of the United States?

    1. Abraham Lincoln
    2. George Washington
    3. Benjamin Franklin
    4. Martin Luther King Jr.
    Show answer

    Answer: George Washington

    George Washington was the very first President of the United States.

  2. Martin Luther King Jr. believed all people should be treated fairly.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    Martin Luther King Jr. spent his life working so that all people would be treated fairly and equally.

  3. What did Amelia Earhart do that made her famous?

    1. She was President
    2. She ended slavery
    3. She flew an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean
    4. She discovered electricity
    Show answer

    Answer: She flew an airplane across the Atlantic Ocean

    Amelia Earhart became famous for being the first woman to fly an airplane solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

  4. Abraham Lincoln is shown on the _____ coin.

    Show answer

    Answer: penny

    Abraham Lincoln's face appears on the penny, the one-cent coin.

  5. Benjamin Franklin discovered that lightning is electricity.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    Benjamin Franklin flew a kite in a storm and discovered that lightning is a form of electricity.

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