By reading this section from a chapter on "Imperial Reforms and Colonial Protests," students will be able to describe the state of affairs between the colonies and the home government in 1774 and explain the purpose and results of the...

Kids learn about The Continental Congress meetings; major events in the American Revolutionary War.

Biography of Oliver Ellsworth who represented Connecticut in the Continental Congress and also was a promoter of the Connecticut Compromise.

The Continental Congress gathered to end the Revolutionary War, and solidify their independence from England with the Treaty of Paris. Briefly overviews the events, and presents a photo of the Maryland State Capital, where the delegates...

"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...

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.

This Colonial Hall site gives a great outlined biographical site of former U.S. president, John Adams.

A good biography of John Jay's extensive political efforts for U.S. throughout his life.

A timeline of actions tied to the prohibition of or ending of slavery from the meeting of the Continental Congress in 1774 to John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry in 1859.

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.

The PBS program "Liberty!" notes Saratoga National Historic Park's monument to Benedict Arnold's leg. A brief, partial biography of Benedict Arnold covers the significance behind the monument, as well as the events that followed Arnold's...

View copies of three original documents that are letters between political leaders concerning the Declaration of Independence.

This article tells of a prominent Massachusetts lawyer who wrote a series of letters expressing the Loyalist point of view.

Perhaps if King George III had been attentive to the colonists' pleas, things would have turned out differently. Read about the siege of Boston by the British troops, and the "shot heard around the world."

This site provides an interactive biography of former President John Adams, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Biographical accounts of fifty men who played a wide variety of roles in bringing about America's break with Great Britain, and in the creation of the documents and plans that created the new nation, like the Declaration of Independence,...

A biography of the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and author of some of the Federalist Papers.

An encyclopedia article about the role of the Fraunces Tavern, owned by the black merchant, Samuel Fraunces, before, during, and after the Revolutionary War.

An unconventional, myth-busting history of the American Revolution from the Declaration of Independence to victory and the Treaty of Paris, 1783.

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.

A good look at the government under the Articles of Confederation. See what powers the central government had, the powers of the state governments, and discover the problems that ensued.

Describes the meeting of the Continental Congress during which the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Links to famous people present at the meeting.

A biographical entry for John Hancock. Although he seems to be known only for his "flamboyant signature," his dedication to the American Revolution was extremely important.