What term is used to refer to the individuals who led the American Revolution and established the United States?

The term "Founding Fathers" is used to refer to the individuals who played a significant role in leading the American Revolution and establishing the foundation for the United States. This group includes influential figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and James Madison, among others. They were pivotal in drafting key documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution, shaping the new nation’s governance and principles.

While the "Patriots" refers to the colonists who rebelled against British rule, the term is broader and doesn't specifically encompass the leaders who crafted the foundational documents and systems of government. "The Framers of the Constitution" specifically indicates those who wrote the Constitution itself, a subset of the broader group known as the Founding Fathers but not inclusive of the revolution itself. The "Continental Congress" refers to the governing body that managed the colonial war effort during the American Revolution, aligning more with the assembly of leaders rather than the Founding Fathers as individual figures. Thus, the term "Founding Fathers" accurately captures the key individuals who were instrumental in both the revolution and the establishment of the United States.