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Primary
Bill of Rights Institute

Bill of Rights Institute: Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Website
US Department of State

Office of the Historian: Continental Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
The roots of our government began with the Continental Congress. Examine the roles this Congress played in the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain.
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Website
US Department of State

Office of the Historian: Secret Committee of Correspondance

For Students 9th - 10th
Handling foreign affairs was tricky business in the years directly preceding the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress came up with various methods such as a secret committee to communicate with Britain and other countries. Read...
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Declaration of Independence

For Students 4th - 8th
The idea behind the Declaration of Independence and the process of writing it involved a great deal of thought and hand-wringing. Read about the three separate parts of the declaration, and the audiences for which the document was aimed.
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Unit Plan
The Dirksen Congressional Center

Congress for Kids: Independence

For Students 3rd - 8th
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.
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Lesson Plan
PBS

Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: Revolution: Continental Congress [Pdf]

For Teachers 6th - 8th
A lesson plan from the producers of the 16-episode PBS series "Freedom: A History of US" that examines the rules by which the Continental Congress governed colonial America. Learners will identify people who held positions of leadership...
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Activity
Library of Congress

Loc: America's Story: Articles of Confederation Adopted Nov. 15, 1777

For Students 3rd - 5th
This informative and easy-to-read site contains information about how the United States formed its first government under the Articles of Confederation. From the Library of Congress
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Primary
Other

Karpeles Manuscript Library: The Olive Branch Petition

For Students 9th - 10th
Gives analysis of the Olive Branch Petition and interactive views of each page of the document. Take a look at the original petition and learn about what it was for.
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Handout
The History Cat

The History Cat: Winning the American Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
An unconventional, myth-busting history of the American Revolution from the Declaration of Independence to victory and the Treaty of Paris, 1783.
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Graphic
Other

The Architect of the Capitol: Roger Sherman

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource from the Architect of the Capitol is a government site that focuses on art and architecture in the U.S. Capitol. Features a picture of a marble statue of Sherman.
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Handout
Other

Historical Narratives of Early Canada: One Kingdom Divisible

For Students 9th - 10th
This web page examines Benjamin Franklin, the Boston Tea Party, First Continental Congress, and the Second Continental Congress in 1775, where Canadians were invited to attend. Learn more about the flow of revolution and loyalty on each...
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Article
A&E Television

History.com: What Did the Three Continental Congresses Do?

For Students 9th - 10th
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress became America's de facto government. Over a period of 15 years, from 1774 to 1789, the Continental Congress underwent a profound evolution. Starting out as a temporary group that...
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Article
A&E Television

History.com: Continental Congress

For Students 9th - 10th
From 1774 to 1789, the Continental Congress served as the government of the 13 American colonies and later the United States. The First Continental Congress, which was comprised of delegates from the colonies, met in 1774 in reaction to...
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Handout
Other

Colonial Hall: Biography of Samuel Adams

For Students 9th - 10th
A very long detailed biography on Samuel Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It is somewhat hard to read and tedious to go through, but lots of useful information.
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Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: The Continental Congress

For Students 4th - 8th
Kids learn about The Continental Congress meetings; major events in the American Revolutionary War.
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Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: Declaration of Independence

For Students 4th - 8th
"We hold these truths to be self-evident." This infamous quote is part of the Declaration of Independence which Congress adopted on July 4, 1776. Read about the ideas contained in this document and take a quiz at the end to see what you...