University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: James Wilson (1742 1798)
Article presenting two somewhat contrasting biographies of James Wilson, who was a lawyer, member of the Second Continental Congress and later became a Supreme Court Justice.
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: Richard Henry Lee
Richard Henry Lee in many ways personified the elite Virginia gentry. A planter and slaveholder, he was tall, handsome, and genteel in his manners. Raised in a conservative environment, Lee was nonetheless radical in his social and...
Siteseen
Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, made by the second American Continental Congress and adopted July 4, 1776, announced the separation of the original thirteen North American British colonies from Great Britain making them into the United...
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.
Ducksters
Ducksters: American Revolution for Kids: Declaration of Independence
"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...
![Digital History: The Age of Constitution Writing [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: The Age of Constitution Writing [Pdf] Website")
Digital History
Digital History: The Age of Constitution Writing [Pdf]
See how colonial and state constitutions differed and how the idea of a social contract between a government and its citizens is reflected in the state constitutions. The second half of this site gives an abbreviated text of the Articles...
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Abraham Baldwin 1754 1807
Baldwin was born at Guilford, Conn., in 1754, the second son of a blacksmith who fathered 12 children by 2 wives. Besides Abraham, several of the family attained distinction. His sister Ruth married the poet and diplomat Joel Barlow, and...
Robin Chew
Samuel Adams: American Patriot & Politician
Read a brief overview of the life of Samuel Adams, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Links to other resources about Adams are included.
US National Archives
Our Documents: Lee Resolution (1776)
The Our Documents group offers information on Richard Henry Lee's 1776 resolution proposing colonial independence. See the original document, read the transcript, and download a printer-friendly version.
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Independence [Pdf]
Follow the steps that Americans took before declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence set out the ideals and reasons behind this stunning move. Use the student exercises to understand the different levels...
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...
Digital History
Digital History: Declaring Indpendence
Read about the ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence espoused by those brave souls who signed their names to the revolutionary document in 1776.
Other
Object of History: Jefferson Desk (Desk on Which the Declaration Was Drafted)
Provides information on the desk that Thomas Jefferson used to draft the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Declaration of Independence
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.
Other
Karpeles Manuscript Library: The Olive Branch Petition
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.
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
The Architect of the Capitol: Roger Sherman
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.
Other
Colonial Hall: Biography of Samuel Adams
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.
Curated OER
Etc: New Settlements & Proposed Comm in the West, 1775 1782
A map of the new settlements and proposed communities in the Tennessee and Kentucky country between the Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio River, from 1775 to 1782. The map shows the proposed proprietary colony of Transylvania under Judge...
Curated OER
Wikipedia: National Historic Landmarks in New Jersey: Liberty Hall
Home of William Livingston, member of the first and second Continental Congress, signer of the Constitution, and first elected Governor of New Jersey. Now called Liberty Hall and part of the Kean University.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Richard Henry Lee
Richard Henry Lee (January 20, 1732 - June 19, 1794) was an American statesman from Virginia best known for proposing the motion in the Second Continental Congress calling for the colonies' independence from Great Britain.
Curated OER
Educational Technology Clearinghouse: Clip Art Etc: Henry Laurens
(1724-1792) Merchant and Revolutionary politician who served in the Second Continental Congress
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Colonial Williamsburg: Politics in Colonial Virginia
This site explores the politics involved in Colonial Williamsburg, leading up to the American Revolution. Content focuses on famous speeches, documents, and influential people.