German poet, writer, and linguist known for the epic poem Der Messias and for pioneering German literature beyond French influence

Haitian general and politician who led the Haitian Revolution, transforming a slave rebellion into a movement that established the first free black republic and earned him the title of national hero

French novelist and military officer best known for his influential and scandalous epistolary novel, Les Liaisons dangereuses

American statesman and political philosopher who led the movement for independence and was a Founding Father