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.
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: George Wythe 1726 1806
Biography of George Wythe, 1726-1806, a learned man and teacher who supported the American Revolution and was a delegate to the Continental Congress, signing the Declaration of Independence and attended the Constiutional Convention.
Digital History
Digital History: How Were the Colonies Able to Win Independence?
A discussion of the several reasons the American colonies were able to defeat the head of the British Empire and become an independent country. See also a very brief description of how the Continental Congress paid for the war.
US Army Center
U.s. Army Center of Military History: Nathaniel Gorham
A brief but detailed biography of this delegate from Massachusetts to the Constitutional Convention. He also served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and for a time was its president.
US National Archives
Docsteach: To Sign or Not to Sign
Middle schoolers will consider the arguments made by members of the Continental Congress regarding whether or not to sign the Declaration of Independence. They will also have the opportunity to analyze each section of the Declaration to...
Library of Congress
Loc: Today in History: June 14: Flag Day
Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. This resource from American Memory has lots of primary source material about the day and the flag. Read in the journals of the Continental Congress which designates the design of our first national...
A&E Television
History.com: Thomas Jefferson Videos: Declaration of Independence
A video featuring the Declaration of Independence. Tom Brokaw addresses why the Continental Congress found the need for the revolutionary document. [4:00]
Bill of Rights Institute
Bill of Rights Institute: John Witherspoon
He was a father figure to America's Founders. A renowned theologian from Scotland, John Witherspoon educated many young men who became prominent leaders of the Founding generation. He went on to embrace the revolutionary cause. He signed...
Other
Calliope Film: Shays' Rebellion and the Constitution
Synopsis of the historical significance of Shays' Rebellion in 1786 and how this upheaval influenced the Continental Congress to adopt the Constitution of the United States.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Declaration of Independence (1776) and Resource Materials
This is a facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
History of American Wars
History of American Wars: Revolutionary War Soldiers
Describes the clothing and uniforms worn by soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Also explains what the rank of officer meant in the British military and how a man became an officer. How Congress eventually created an army is...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The War Experience: Soldiers, Officers, and Civiliams
It's a miracle American won the American Revolution. Read about the difficulty in raising and maintaining a professional fighting force. Also find out about the antagonism between the soldiers and civilians. Congress seemed unwilling to...
Library of Congress
Loc: Creating a Constitution
A brief article on the efforts of Charles Pinckney along with others to amend The Articles of Confederation. Includes links to original text of unsuccessful amendments to The Articles of Confederation
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.
PBS
Pbs Liberty!: Benedict Arnold's Leg
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...
Library of Congress
Loc: Benjamin Franklin: In His Own Words
This extensive exhibition offers observations on various facets of Franklin's life, as well as his writing and other accomplishments.
Other
Object of History: Remembrances of Revolution and Declaration of Independence
View copies of three original documents that are letters between political leaders concerning the Declaration of Independence.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Making Rules
Follow the incremental process that the colonial leaders took over a ten-year period of time making new rules that would finally result in independence from Great Britain. See how many of them really didn't plan on independence, but that...
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Richard Henry Lee
Good, introductory biography from the University of Groningen of Richard Henry Lee and the Lee family. Text provides hyperlinks to related information.
University of Groningen
American History: Documents: The Articles of Confederation
At this site from the University of Groningen's page of "From Revolution to Reconstruction", you can read the Articles of Confederation, written in 1781. Authors listed with the states for which they were writing.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: School Publishers: An Interview With Thomas Jefferson
"What do you think Thomas Jefferson was like as a person? What were his interests and hobbies? Where did he go to school? Imagine yourself as a reporter in 1826, about to interview Mr. Jefferson at Monticello, his home."
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: James Madison
A brief biography of James Madison. Find out why James Madison was called the father of the constitution. Learn how his life affected the United States. (In Spanish)
University of Groningen
American History: Biographies: Daniel Leonard (1740 1829)
This article tells of a prominent Massachusetts lawyer who wrote a series of letters expressing the Loyalist point of view.