The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Democracy
Aimed at younger students learning about government, this section of the larger 'Congress for Kids' website focuses on Democracy. Links to related topics include democracy vs autocracy, 13 Colonies, Declaration of Independence, and...
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.
US National Archives
Nara: Charters of Freedom: From Loyal Subjects to Rebels: A Royal Proclamation
Primary source material on the British documents, Magna Carta and 1857 painting Pulling Down the Statue of King George III by William Walcutt.
PBS
Pbs: Timeline of the Revolution
A timeline beginning at the ascension of King George of England in 1760 and ending at the passing of the US Bill of Rights, is brief but informative. A Revolutionary War game, as well as other educational sites are available.
PBS
Pbs: Archive of Thomas Jefferson's Documents
A PBS website that contains Jefferson's views on political, religious, social, personal, and intellectual freedoms in the form of his original documents. Contains the Louisiana Purchase agreement. Tied to a larger site on a Jefferson...
University of Virginia
University of Virginia: Thomas Jefferson Digital Archive
This online collection of Thomas Jefferson resources includes texts, quotations, and bibliographies, along with documents which were written either by or to Jefferson.
Library of Congress
Loc: Journals of the Continental Congress
These journals from the Continental Congress of the United States will provide students with a greater understanding of the foundations of American government as established in the late 18th century. Includes handwritten documents by...
Annenberg Foundation
Annenberg Learner: American Passages: Spirit of Nationalism: Thomas Jefferson
Arguably one of the most accomplished American in history, this brief biography features Thomas Jefferson and his written contributions to American literature. Click "Thomas Jefferson Activities" for related materials.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: John Adams
Short, overweight, and quick-tongued, John Adams hardly fits the model of the typical Founder. But Adams's contributions to American independence and the formation of the United States government were great. Adams penned defenses of...
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)
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel
This is the declaration issued by the members of the People's Committee severing the mandate of the British and establishing the state of Israel.
Other
Us flag.org: Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents
Use this timeline for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence to learn more about American history. It takes you from June 7, 1776, through to the writing of this major document in U.S. history.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: John Hancock
Overview and biographical facts on the life of John Hancock, patriot and leader of the Sons of Liberty. The signature of John Hancock was the first to be added to the Declaration of Independence.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence
Independence is so important to Americans. Congress for Kids provides a tutorial on this core value.
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.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Thomas Jefferson
Overview and biographical facts on the life of Thomas Jefferson, a Founding Father of the United States who drafted the Declaration of Independence and later became the third US President.
PBS
Pbs: Theory of the American Founding, Part 3: Why Equal Protection of the Law?
A lesson that helps students examine the Declaration of Independence and other excerpted historical writings in relation to the ideas of human equality and equal protection under the law.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: Benjamin Franklin
Overview and biographical facts on the life of Benjamin Franklin, an inventor, scientist, and Founding Father who helped draw up the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
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.
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 learners involved. Socratic seminars are useful in that they teach students to make a point through using the text...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: Draft of the Declaration
Here you can read the draft that Jefferson submitted to Congress. Changes made by Adams and Jefferson are marked to indicate Jefferson's words and then the final wording that was adopted.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Francis Hopkinson
Wikipedia provides brief biographical information on Francis Hopkinson, American Author and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence.