American Independence
Thirteen colonies in a land far, far away united and announced their independence from a distant, powerful monarch. No, it’s not a undiscovered plot from “Star Wars,” it’s the story of the birth of “a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal” — the United States of America. This reading set contains a portion of the Declaration of Independence, as well as some passages on the Founding Fathers (and Mothers) and the events of the resulting American Revolution.
The Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. This is the first part of the document. The spelling and grammar is the same as in the original. ———————- In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States…
One of the greatest heroes of American history is George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution and first President of the United States. This story is about his life. ————————————— George had shown that he could do the work of a man on the farm…
Henry drew his fist back, ready to let it fly. “Halt!” yelled Constable Evans. “All you do is get into brawls, Henry.” Henry glared at the teen who would have received his punch. “Yeah, fighting is in my blood. One day I will lead men with that fighting spirit.” When…
At the time I establish’d myself in Pennsylvania, there was not a good bookseller’s shop in any of the colonies to the southward of Boston. In New York and Philad’a the printers were indeed stationers; they sold only paper, etc., almanacs, ballads, and a few common school-books. Those 78 who…
Nathanael took a deep breath and limped out of the room. “They denied my election as an officer. I didn’t make it because of my stiff knee. The committee feels that an officer with a limp will appear weak to his men and to the enemy.” “Tough going, friend,” said…
This poem is about how American patriot Paul Revere rode through the countryside to warn the colonists of an attack by the British during the American Revolution. This passage is the beginning of the poem. ——————— Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,…
Abigail Adams (1744-1818) was the wife of Founding Father and future President John Adams. While he attended the Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1776, Abigail wrote to her husband often. Below is part of her letter from March 31, 1776. —————————– I long to hear that you have declared an…