Slavery and the Founding

Resource Overview:

The contradiction between the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the injustice of slavery is one of the most perplexing and challenging in American history. This curriculum will explore that contradiction and how it was understood, discussed, and acted upon by the Founding generation and those that followed.

Contains 6 ready-made lesson plans, 13 Primary Sources, & 5 background essays.

Special Features:

• Rooted in primary sources with short contextual essays providing historical background and a thematic outline for lessons
• Slides providing abridged context for each lesson
• Primary source analysis models (“worked examples”) to help students practice how to read and analyze textual and visual primary sources.
• Teacher support videos of how to model primary source analysis
• Suggestions for using materials for both in-person and online learning.

Teachers Say:

“[The] primary sources and critical thinking questions are great. It was also easy to implement within our pacing guide.” – Pilot test educator

“My students learn so much from this resource! [They] were amazed at how much the struggle of application of natural right values by colonists during the war led to eventual emancipation and banishment of slavery in many states.” – Pilot test educator

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