Curated OER
Printed Edition of the Declaration of Independence
View a webcast that explains the printing and distributing of the Declaration of Independence. The newspapers, as well as the people who published them, shed light on America in its infancy.
Curated OER
Writing the Declaration of Independence, 1776
Thomas Jefferson had the task of writing the Declaration of Independence amongst the tense climate of the Revolutionary War. This site by EyeWitness to History details information surrounding the writing of this great document.
Curated OER
Memorial to the Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Memorial to the signing of the Declaration of Independence (Washington)
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Signers of the Declaration of Independence: John Hancock 1737 1793
A biographical entry for John Hancock. Although he seems to be known only for his "flamboyant signature," his dedication to the American Revolution was extremely important.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Most Important Thing He Ever Wrote
Tells about Jefferson writing the Declaration of Independence.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: To Establish Justice
Outline explaining the ideals and intentions for a newly formed nation as spelled out in the of the Declaration of Independence.
Other
Connecticut Society of Sons of the American Revolution: The Price They Paid
Find out what really happened to the brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence. What has been put forth in popular literature is rebutted and explained through rigorous research.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Let's Talk Socratically
For this lesson you will be using the Socratic Seminar Instructional Method. The Socratic Seminar is a great way to get students involved. Socratic seminars are useful in that they teach students to make a point through using the text...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Francis Hopkinson
Wikipedia provides brief biographical information on Francis Hopkinson, American Author and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence.
Other
Monticello: Brief Biography of Thomas Jefferson
Monticello.org provides a brief but detailed biography of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826 CE), 3rd President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Winning the American Revolution
An unconventional, myth-busting history of the American Revolution from the Declaration of Independence to victory and the Treaty of Paris, 1783.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: Purpose, Explanation, & Grievances of the King
In this lesson plan, students will be able to state the main ideas in the Declaration of Independence, and explain their significance. The students will be able to know the purpose of and explain the Declaration of Independence, as well...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: E Pluribus Unum
The fact that the Second Continental Congress convened was evidence that the colonists had had enough from the British Parliament. Read about the ways the colonies finally began to work together and focus on a common plan, resulting in...
Other
Maryland Women's Hall of Fame: Mary Katherine Goddard
A woman before her time, Mary Katherine Goddard became a printer, newspaper publisher, and postmaster in Baltimore, Maryland. From her press came the first printed copy of the Declaration of Independence. The website gives a brief...
University of Groningen
American History: Presidents: Letters of Thomas Jefferson to Edmund Pendleton
In this letter, which he wrote shortly after the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson describes to Edmund Pendleton how to set up the Virginia Legislature.
Library of Congress
Loc: Drafting the Documents
The Library of Congress provides us with a detailed description of what follows the drafting of the original Declaration of Independence. It provides us with information about what happens to the document after Thomas Jefferson's rough...
Library of Congress
Loc: The Constitution: Counter Revolution or National Salvation
Using primary texts and prior study of Colonial America and the Revolution, students examine "what type of government would best represent the ideals of the American Revolution." Worksheets, discussions, and role-playing within this...
Cengage Learning
Houghton Mifflin: Thomas Jefferson (1743 1826)
Houghton Mifflin provides biographical information regarding Thomas Jefferson, including his involvement in the Declaration of Independence, the presidency, and much more.
Digital History
Digital History: The Road to Revolution
A time line and explanation of the many events, including the colonists' interpretations of those events, that led to the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Digital History
Digital History: Was the Revolution Justified?
A terrific look at the twenty-seven specific reasons Thomas Jefferson cited in the Declaration of Independence and the support for those reasons of why the colonists felt justified in breaking the bonds with Great Britain.
Other
Liberation of Ireland
Students learn about the liberation of Ireland. Topics explored are the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish Revolution, the Republic of Ireland, and the Irish Declaration of Independence.
Other
Founding Fathers
Find information about the founding fathers and what they accomplished. Presents the Federalist Papers, The Declaration of Independence, The Bill of Rights, and The U.S. Constitution. Also includes images, quotes, a history of the...
Other
Liberty Online: A Summary View of the Rights of British America
Written before the Declaration of Independence, this lengthy essay by Thomas Jefferson argued that the British Government was treating America unfairly. This site contains full text and footnotes within text hyperlinked to panel at...
Other
A Civic Framework for Community
A framework for discussing what it means to be a community, based on the principles in the Declaration of Independence and on the values Americans hold dear that form the basis of successful communities.