Independence Day
9 items
The American Experiment: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and Call for Independence
Video
Video
19 Min
Why did Thomas Paine truly think that independence from Great Britain was “common sense”? In this episode of Primary Source Close Reads Explained, Kirk dissects Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet published in January 1776. At this point, declaring independence was not a foregone conclusion, and Paine’s pamphlet argued that persistent connection to the nation provided no advantage to the American people. How does Paine’s argument differ from others who wrote in opposition to Great Britain at the time? What reasons does he highlight as imperative for severing ties with the nation?
How can words, written and spoken, change history? “Primary Source Close Reading: Explained,” dives even deeper into some of the most pivotal pieces that shaped the America we know today. Join BRI’s Director of Content, Kirk Higgins, as he takes a detailed look at the language contained in the most formative documents, speeches, and court cases throughout the history of the United States. Learn the true meaning and story behind the writing that fashioned the country in a way you can easily digest!
19 Min
Declaration of Independence | Primary Source Essentials
Video
Video
2 Min
How does the Declaration of Independence support the principles of individual liberty and self-government? In this rapid-fire episode of BRI’s Primary Source Essentials and Declaration of Independence summary, learn the arguments made by the American colonists as they sought to free themselves of British control.
2 Min
Elementary Lessons | Causes of the American Revolution Video
Video
Video
7 Min
Get ready to travel back in time to the early days of America and discover the thrilling events that led to the American Revolution! In this elementary lesson, we explore the key moments that paved the road to independence—from the end of the French and Indian War to the fiery debates over "taxation without representation."
Our elementary lessons are primary source-based that focus on content-area literacy instruction and performance-based assessments. Designed for grades 3-5, these lessons use a modular approach for all learners and are ideal for helping elementary students explore American history and citizenship.
7 Min
The Path to Independence Timeline
Activity
Activity
A sequencing activity to help students understand the order of the response of the Colonists to the British Parliament.
Declaration of Independence
Primary Source - 1801 Words
Primary Source
1801 Words
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ...” Congress debated independence for several days.
Essay: Rights and the Declaration of Independence
Essay - 1356 Words
Essay
1356 Words
The Declaration of Independence, based in part on the philosophy of John Locke, was an "expression of the American mind". Going back to Magna Carta, British nobles had petitioned the monarch demanding limits to his power. But Locke argues and the Declaration of Independence asserts that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed. Locke's ideas were too democratic, too revolutionary for his time in England, but a century later they had a firm hold in the American colonies, and in 1776 they were the basis of the original and most fundamental American statement of rights, the Declaration of Independence.
We Hold These Truths: Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence, and Identity
Lesson - 1 Activities
Lesson
1 Activities
45 Min
How did Thomas Jefferson identity shape the writing of the Declaration of Independence?
45 Min
Why Do We Celebrate the Fourth of July?
Podcast
Podcast
28 Min
The 4th has many different meanings for many different groups in America. Some see it as a time to celebrate with barbecues, others ask deep questions about the prevalence of slavery conflicting with the ideas of freedom for all presented in the Declaration of Independence, many do both! Mary, Gary, and Eryn explore these themes and more.
28 Min
