ProCon
Gun Control
According to some estimates, there are more guns than people in the United States. Learners decide if America should enact more gun control laws. They analyze information about gun deaths in the United States by year, read about the...
Curated OER
College Education
What do Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg have in common? They're both billionaires, and neither one has a college degree! Using the website, scholars explore whether having a college education is truly worth the money it costs. They read...
BBC
Bbc History: British History: Empire: Was the American Revolution Inevitable?
An interesting article that looks at the question of what England could have done to prevent a revolution of the American colonists in 1776. The author believes that there are lessons that one can draw from this series of particular...
Massachusetts Historical Society
Massachusetts Historical Society: The Coming of the American Revolution, 1764 76
Drawing resources in the collections of the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Coming of the American Revolution examines the seeds of rebellion in America. Includes a chronology of key events leading up to the American Revolution,...
Library of Congress
Loc: Religion and the Founding of the American Republic
A wonderful, comprehensive site from the Library of Congress that examines all facets of the religious origins of America.
Other
Time Page: 13 Originals: Founding the American Colonies
Information about each of the thirteen colonies with links to additional good quality resources.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Meet the People
Meet the people of colonial Williamsburg! Content includes a focus on the life of African-Americans, colonial children, tradesmen, and elite members of society. Special focus is also placed on the lives of George & Martha Washington,...
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: American Independence
Part of Fordham University's Internet Modern History Sourcebook, this site gives historical background and extensive web resources on American Independence.
Digital History
Digital History: Why Did the Colonists Rebel and the British Resist?
An interesting look at the make-up of Americans who supported separation from Great Britain, and some explanation of the push-back by Great Britain.
Other
Sons of the Revolution: Colonial Uniforms
A fun site that provides detailed information on the colonial uniforms, including that of Sir William Howe, Commander-in-Chief of the British.
Federal Reserve Bank
Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia: Money in Colonial Times
Comprehensive overview of the development of money in the American colonies. Topics covered include colonial coins and paper money, national coinage, copper, silver, and gold coins, and Liberty and the eagle.
Library of Congress
Loc: Thomas Jefferson Timeline
This detailed timeline describes Thomas Jefferson's life, spanning the colonial period, the American Revolution, and the early Republic. You will also find maps and written documents within this collection.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Early American and Colonial Period to 1776
Background information about the literary traditions of the pre-Colonial and Colonial period. Includes information about Native American oral traditions and Native American cultures. Follow the links to the Early American era and to...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Townshend Acts
It seems like the British Parliament was just throwing laws at the American colonists just to see what might stick. Read about the Townshend Acts that were passed after the Declaratory Act which was passed after the repeal of the Stamp...
Other
Southern Nature: Scientific Views of the Colonial American South
These colonial members of the American Philosophical Society explored the southern colonies. Here you will see what they found to be of scientific importance. There are accounts of indigenous people, flora, and animal species.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Frontier Fosters Self Reliance
Based on the theory that because the King had given the colonists so many freedoms, and he had problems on the home-front, the colonists' will was strengthened. This contributed to the Revolution. There are links to Virginia's First...
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Experience Colonial Life
Experience colonial life through a variety of narratives. Topics include the African-American experience, animals, Christmas, clothing, family, food, gardening, manners, politics, religion, tools, and trades.
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Colonial Religion
The site provides a detailed overview of role religion played in the lives of the colonists. Content explores how religion played a part in the Revolution, and the statute for religious freedom, as well as providing a lesson plan, a link...
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Numismatics: Coins and Currency in Colonial America
Valuable lessons in the history of Europeans' early exploration and settlement of America can be gained by following the money used in trade. Coins and Currency exhibition lets you examine evidence of Spanish, British, Dutch, French, and...
Bibliomania
Bibliomania: Simonds History of American Literature
This site presents the full text of the "Simonds History of American Literature." This detailed reference book explores the literature in early colonial times, the eighteenth century, the beginning of the nineteenth century, the New...
Other
Raid on Deerfield: The Many Stories of 1704
This award-winning resource draws the reader into a consideration of history as witnessed from multiple perspectives. Discover the mystery of the French and Indian raid on colonial Deerfield, Massachusetts where five cultures clashed in...
Other
Our American Revolution: The American Revolutionary Cities
The major cities in colonial America played a huge role in preparing for the Revolutionary War, both in terms of ways of governing and philosophy. Read about Philadelphia, Williamsburg, New York, and Boston and the events in those cities...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Beginnings of Revolutionary Thinking: What Is the American?
Even colonial America was a melting pot of people from far away. Read about the diversity of the population and why it had an effect on the possibility of rebellion and revolution.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Boston "Tea Party"
Overview of the conflict between Britain and American colonists over policies imposed favoring the British East India Company leading to rebellion and what is known as the Boston Tea Party.