Declaration of Independence: 1776

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It was an official act taken by all 13 American colonies in declaring independence from British rule. People in the colonies were unhappy that...

Declaration of Independence Facts and Figures

The 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence included future Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Members of the United States Congress. John Hancock, President of the Second Continental Congress and a Governor of Massachusetts, was the first to sign;...

Declaration of Independence: 1776

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It marked an official step taken by the American colonies toward independence from British rule. Many colonists were unhappy with laws that...

Signing the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but it was not signed until almost a month later. The Congress did not have the approval of all 13 colonies until July 9, 1776. On July 19, the Congress...

Writing the Declaration of Independence

to establish a tyranny over the colonies, and sets up a justification for American independence. As you read the Declaration of Independence, see how the first part gives notice of the break with England and the reasons for the break. The last part is...

Declaration of Independence: 1776

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in the history of the United States. It marked an official step taken by the American colonies toward independence from British rule under the monarchy of King George III. Many...

Signing the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, but it was not signed until almost a month later. The Congress did not have the approval of all 13 colonies until July 9, 1776. On July 19, Congress...

Writing the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was originally written by Thomas Jefferson. When Jefferson had finished his draft, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Jefferson met to make changes. This version was sent to the Second Continental Congress on July 2, and...

Master: Declaration of Independence

Journeyman: Declaration of Independence

Independence Hall: 1756

the future of the new Nation. Some of the most important events in United States history took place here. The Declaration of Independence was debated and ratified here on July 4, 1776, which is now celebrated as Independence Day. In 1781, the Articles...

Declaration of Independence Facts and Figures

were not in Philadelphia on that day, but signed the document later; not all delegates signed the document. The Declaration of Independence, along with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, is on public display at the Rotunda of the National Archives...

Independence Hall: 1756

history took place. Our Founding Fathers and colonial leaders met to plan the future of the new Nation. The Declaration of Independence (1776) and the United States Constitution (1787) were debated and ratified here. It is a U.S. National Historic...

Bill of Rights Facts and Figures

To read the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which was a model for the Bill of Rights and key phrases in the Declaration of Independence, see the Virginia Declaration of Rights site at the National Archives. Read more and test your knowledge at GPO's...

Diplomat and Statesman

Ben went to Europe to act as a representative for the colonies. Upon his return, he was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Ben lived in France for nine years, from 1776 to 1785. He acted as an ambassador and was a famous and...

Great Seal of the United States: 1782

created a committee to design a seal for the United States on July 4, 1776, the same day that they adopted the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams created a design that was eventually rejected, but one...

Timeline

Franklin.” 1775-1776: Served as the Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention. 1776: Signs the Declaration of Independence, which declared that the thirteen American colonies were independent and no longer British. 1778:Negotiates Treaty of...

Learning Adeventures 9 to 13

important Historical Documents that helped to shape the United States as a nation. These documents include: The Declaration of Independence: 1776 The Articles of Confederation: 1777 - 1789 The U.S. Constitution: 1789 The Bill of Rights: 1789 - 91 The...

Learning Adventures 14 and more

important Historical Documents that helped to shape the United States as a Nation. These documents include: The Declaration of Independence: 1776 The Articles of Confederation: 1777 - 1789 The Federalist Papers: 1787 - 1788 The U.S. Constitution: 1789...

AASL Lesson Plans

Laws Are Made—Ben’s Guide Journeyperson (ages 9-13): Ben's Guide—The Gettysburg Address Master (ages 14+): The Declaration of Independence The Election Process (President and Vice President)—Ben’s Guide