National Endowment for the Humanities
Lost Hero: Was John Hanson Actually the First President?
The first president of the United States was ... John Hanson? Scholars investigate the notion that the initial leader of the nation was not George Washington. Using research, articles, and open discussion, individuals create a quest for...
National Endowment for the Humanities
The "To Do List" of the Continental Congress
What is on your to-do list today? The second lesson plan of a three-part series on Lost Heroes of America investigates the laundry list of items in front of the second Continental Congress. Scholars research, analyze, and present...
North Carolina Consortium for Middle East Studies
Federalists v. Anti‐Federalists
Here is a solid lesson plan to support your instruction on the Continental Congress and the Articles of Confederation. It includes close analysis of primary source images, a guided notes template and answer key, and many key points to...
Curated OER
The War in the North, 1775-1778
Students investigate the hardships and difficulties that the Continental army faced in the early years of the American War for independence. the battles of Lexington and concord and the expectations of the Continental Army forms the...
Curated OER
Drafting the Declaration of Independence
Students working in small groups to compare and contrast the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson with the final version. They list the differences and decide on why the changes were made.
Curated OER
Liberty! The American Revolution
This presentation reviews some of the reasons that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the start of the Revolutionary War. It provides a brief overview and images for events like the French and Indian War, the...
Curated OER
The American Revolution (1754–1781)
In this online interactive history learning exercise, students respond to 8 short answer and essay questions about the American Revolution. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive learning exercise.
Curated OER
The Declaration of Independence
In this social studies worksheet, students locate 54 words relating to the Declaration of Independence in a word search. Students may self correct by selecting the link at the bottom of the page.
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.
Massachusetts Historical Society
Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Washington Takes Command of the Army
George Washington is chosen as the leader of the colonies in their fight against the British in the American Revolution and becomes commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. Evidence is supported by original documents.
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: American Memory: Journals of the Continental Congress
A comprehensive list of links to the original text of the official journals of the proceedings of the First and Second Continental Congresses.
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...
Library of Congress
Loc: Constitution Day Resources
A selection of online resources from THOMAS that have to do with the US Constitution.
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.
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.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: The Continental Army and the Congress
A detailed description of the events in and around the formation and support of The Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.
PBS
Pbs Liberty!: Independence! Philadelphia 1776
The newspaper layout makes it simple to read the accounts of the reaction to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The article includes valuable links including an introduction to Thomas Paine and his role in this event.
US Government Publishing Office
U.s. Government Publishing Office: Core Documents of u.s.democracy
Direct online access to the basic Federal Government documents that define our democratic society, a core group of current and historical Government publications.
University of Virginia
Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe
This site gives a biography of President James Monroe. From the left-hand toolbar, select information about his life before presidency, campaigns and elections, and also domestic affairs. Links to the first lady, cabinet members , and...
Library of Congress
Loc: Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention
This site provides a collection of material regarding the work of the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention. Content includes a focus on how the Revolutionary War was organized, fanning the flames of patriotism,...
Other
The Federalist Papers: John Jay
A good biography of John Jay's extensive political efforts for U.S. throughout his life.
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.
Huntington Library
Huntington Library: Causes of American Revolution: Soldiers and Civilians at War
For this lesson, 5th graders look at causes and consequences of the American Revolution, at nations and individuals that impacted the outcome, at the roles women played, and at how the war affected families, economics, and the...