By 1776, the American colonies had become a diverse mix of people from different ethnicities, religions, and social statuses. Although the majority of the citizens at this time were Protestant, white males who were mostly from England, there were people from diverse backgrounds who also contributed to the American Revolution.

As many as 5,000 free and enslaved African Americans fought with the patriots, while twice as many helped the English troops during the Revolution. The most notable African American is Crispus Attucks.

Source: Crispus Attucks, Wikimedia Commons

Crispus Attucks was of African-American and Wampanoag descent. He was the first casualty of the American Revolution. He was shot and killed in the Boston Massacre.

Source: Marquis de Lafayette James Armistead Lafayette, Wikipedia

Another African American who participated in the American Revolution was James Armistead, a slave from Virginia. Armistead joined the army in 1781 under General Lafayette. Armistead worked as a spy who earned the trust of British General Cornwallis. Armistead gave Cornwallis false information about american troops which led to the British defeat at the Battle of Yorktown.

Source: Haym Salomon, Wikimedia

As a Polish immigrant, Haym Salomon played a major role in the American Revolution. He made a career as a financial broker and later became the broker for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. He helped George Washington raise $20,000 as he began the Battle at Yorktown. He assisted the Continental Congress in raising money to aid them in war. Salomon continued to help the American government after the Treaty of Paris (1783) was signed and the war ended.

Source: Bernardo de Galvez, Wikimedia

Bernardo de Galvez was a Spanish military leader who led the Spanish forces against the English troops. Under de Galvez's leadership, the Spanish troops defeated the English at the Battle of Pensacola; this allowed Spain to take back Florida. He supported the American colonists as they fought for their independence.