Ocean State Libraries

"Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free! On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation--The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom,...

The text of the Declaration of Independence is accompanied by illustrations meant to help explain its meaning.

Tells how the thirteen colonies united in the desire for independence, selected Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of independence and carried the news of independence across the colonial settlements.

Demonstrates how the concepts and principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence were drawn from the experiences of living in America in the late eighteenth century, with emphasis given to how children lived on a New England farm, a Southern plantation, and the frontier.

Focuses on the framing of the Declaration of Independence and the meaning of the document, describing the circumstances leading to the Revolutionary War and some of the challenges faced by the men who wrote the document.

Outlines the events that led to the Revolutionary War and the writing of the document that declared the Colonies separate and independent from Britain.

Presents the life and accomplishments of the colonist and patriot who was involved in virtually every major event that resulted in the birth of the United States.

Provides background information on the people and events connected with the writing of the Declaration of Independence and briefly examines the contents of the document itself.

Describes how the Declaration of Independence came to be written and signed and its importance in defining the principles upon which the United States would be founded.