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Article
Siteseen

Siteseen: Government and Constitution: Declaration of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Handout
Siteseen

Siteseen: Land of the Brave: John Adams

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Primary
US Government Publishing Office

U.s. Government Publishing Office: Core Documents of u.s.democracy

For Students 9th - 10th
Direct online access to the basic Federal Government documents that define our democratic society, a core group of current and historical Government publications.
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Primary
University of Groningen

American History: Documents: Causes/necessity of Arms

For Students 9th - 10th
The complete text of the Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, ratified July 6,1775.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: Biographical Directory of the u.s. Congress: Oliver Ellsworth

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography of Oliver Ellsworth, the delegate from Connecticut to the Constitutional Convention. He also served as a senator and as a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
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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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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: The New Nation, 1783 1815

For Teachers 9th - 10th Standards
The links in the New Nation, which is provided for by the Library of Congress, will lead you to sets of selected primary sources on a variety of topics,such as the Constitution, governmental policy on Native Americans, and problems and...
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Handout
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Archiving Early America: Rise and Fall of Newburgh Conspiracy

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a discussion of the economic reasons for the 1783 Newburgh Conspiracy, a plot by some of the officers in the Continental Army. The site summarizes the events of the conspiracy.
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Website
US Government Publishing Office

Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: The Articles of Confederation, 1781

For Students 6th - 8th Standards
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.
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Primary
Henry J. Sage

Sage American History: The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies

For Students 9th - 10th
Text of The Declaration of Independence of the Thirteen Colonies with which the Continental Congress declares independence from Britain. Original wording.
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Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: James Madison (1751 1836)

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biographical sketch of James Madison.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: American Treasures: Washington Records the British Surrender at Yorktown

For Students 9th - 10th
See a copy of George Washington's diary, written in his own hand, which describes the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. From a collection in the Library of Congress.
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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...
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Website
University of Virginia

Miller Center at Uva: u.s. Presidents: James Monroe

For Students 9th - 10th
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...
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Primary
Massachusetts Historical Society

Mhs: Coming of the American Revolution: Declarations of Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Lesson Plan
Huntington Library

Huntington Library: Slavery: A Crisis in the Making [Pdf]

For Teachers 5th
This lesson plan 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...
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Website
Library of Congress

Loc: American Memory: A Century of Law Making for a New Nation

For Students 9th - 10th Standards
This site provides a collection of U.S. Congressional documents and debates from 1774 to 1873.
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Lesson Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: Constitution Day Resources

For Teachers 9th - 10th
A selection of online resources from THOMAS that have to do with the US Constitution.
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Unit Plan
Library of Congress

Loc: The Learning Page: Government Policy Toward Native Americans

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Website
Internet History Sourcebooks Project

Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: American Independence

For Students 9th - 10th
Part of Fordham University's Internet Modern History Sourcebook, this site gives historical background and extensive web resources on American Independence.
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Activity
The History Place

The History Place: American Revolution: Prelude to Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Interactive
PBS

Pbs Online/the American Revolution

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
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Article
PBS

Pbs Liberty!: Independence! Philadelphia 1776

For Students 6th - 8th
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.
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Handout
Other

Colonial Hall: John Adams 1735 1826

For Students 9th - 10th
This Colonial Hall site gives a great outlined biographical site of former U.S. president, John Adams.