CommonLit
Common Lit: Articles of Confederation
A learning module that begins with "Articles of Confederation" by The Continental Congress, accompanied by guided reading questions, assessment questions, and discussion questions. The text can be printed as a PDF or assigned online...
Library of Congress
Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Alexander Mc Dougall
This site from the U.S. Congress provides a short biography of Alexander McDougall, a member of the Continental Congress who fought in the Revolutionary War.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Formation of a National Government
This site from the American Revolution Project discusses the state of the union at the end of the Revolutionary War and how the events of the time led to the failure of the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation.
Massachusetts Historical Society
Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Declarations of Independence
Features the history behind the document that "shaped the course of American history" and gave Americans their independence. Includes many supporting original documents and teacher resources.
University of Chicago
The Founders' Constitution: Resolution & Letter to the Congress
The original and complete text of the letter approved by the Constitutional Convention on September 17, 1787 recommending the newly adopted U.S. Constitution to the Congress and the states for ratification.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Slavery: A Crisis in the Making [Pdf]
This lesson looks at the issue of slavery and the role it played in the American Revolution and the founding of the new Republic. Includes background information for the teacher. Students participate in performing a reader's theater...
The History Place
The History Place: American Revolution: Prelude to Revolution
This site from The History Place offers a timeline of events of the Revolution. It offers information about England's involvement with the United States. Pictures are provided throughout along with links to additional information.
Library of Congress
Loc: The Learning Page: Government Policy Toward Native Americans
How did the new government deal the Native Americans living in the Northwest Territory? Find out what the government did to keep the peace between the original inhabitants and the new settlers.
PBS
Pbs Online/the American Revolution
Information packed game that takes you on a journey through the lead-up to the Revolutionary War, the Revolutionary War itself, and beyond to the Bill of Rights. Hyperlinks to other articles in this great site.
Siteseen
Siteseen: Land of the Brave: John Adams
Overview and biographical facts on the life of John Adams, a Founding Father of the United States who was a representative to the Continental Congress and later became the second US President.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Articles of Confederation, 1781
Gives a nice history of the Articles and also a summary of what they were and the problems that developed with their adoption. Includes links to the actual document.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: The Articles of Confederation
At this site read a short synopsis of the Articles of Confederation, and then complete a short quiz by clicking on the "show what you know" link at the bottom.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Declaration of Independence
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated "these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states " Congress...
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Oliver Ellsworth (1745 1807)
Biography of Oliver Ellsworth who represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress and also was a promoter of the Connecticut Compromise.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Charles Carroll
Charles Carroll is primarily remembered today for his political leadership in Maryland during the Revolutionary era. A wealthy planter, Carroll became a major figure in the patriot movement in 1773 when he penned the First Citizen...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Carpenters' Hall
Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia served many vital functions before and during the American Revolution. Among these are the seat of the First Continental Congress, the site of the War Office, and the home of the first public lending...
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Articles of Confederation
At this site from the University of Groningen's page of "From Revolution to Reconstruction", you can read the Articles of Confederation, written in 1781. Authors listed with the states for which they were writing.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: The Story Behind the Boston Tea Party
This short TED talk given by Ben Labaree gives the background of the Boston Tea Party and its eventual ramifications. [3:48]
Other
Calliope Film: Shays' Rebellion and the Constitution
Synopsis of the historical significance of Shays' Rebellion in 1786 and how this upheaval influenced the Continental Congress to adopt the Constitution of the United States.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Revolution Begins
General Thomas Gage, an amiable English gentleman with an American-born wife, commanded the garrison at Boston, where political activity had almost wholly replaced trade. Gage's main duty in the colonies had been to enforce the Coercive...
US National Archives
Our Documents: Great Seal of the United States (1782)
View and learn about the original design of the great seal, including the history of its creation and its current uses.
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.
Other
Us flag.org: Evolution of the United States Flag
This is a guide to the evolution of the United States flag. It contains a timeline from 1777 when the Continental Congress passed the first Flag Act to the Executive Order of President Eisenhower in 1959.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Independence
Travel back in American history to the time of the thirteen colonies struggling to free themselves from the rule of the British monarch, and discover how the Declaration of Independence was created.