The Declaration of Independence, the letter to King George III declaring that the United States of America would not tolerate the grievances contained therein, was signed on July 4, 1776, right? Actually, although the statement drafted by Thomas Jefferson was officially adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4th, it was not signed until August 2, 1776 (and even then not all of the signers were present).
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Mexican Independence
PBS Learning Media uses three pieces of art as a basis for studying Mexican Independence: a war sketch, a broadside poster celebrating independence, and a painting of a post-independence ceremonial celebration. A download with background material is available.
Mexico Independence Day: What You Need to Know
"Commonly confused with Cinco de Mayo in the U.S., the celebration of Mexican independence focuses on the moment the revolt began in September 1810." (from National Geographic)
Mexican Culture and History through Its National Holidays
"This lesson will focus on holidays that represent and commemorate Mexico's religious traditions, culture, and politics over the past five hundred years. The holidays celebrated by Mexico today exemplify the synthesis of ancient Mexican religion and Catholicism, and commemorate the struggles of Mexico's different social classes and ethnic groups." From NEH.gov's EDSITEment!
El Grito de Dolores
Primary resources from the Library of Congress's online collection related to Mexico's Independence Day
Parallel Histories: Spain, United States and the American Frontier
"Timelines graphics in which events are shown in the order in which they happened are useful tools for organizing historical information . . . During Mexico's fight for independence from Spain, Juan Ruiz de Apodaca, the Spanish Viceroy (governor) of New Spain, wrote a series of reports to the Spanish secretary of state and secretary of the Department of War. Six of these reports are included in the Parallel Histories collection . . . When was the first of the reports available written? What was the last report available in the collection written? Create a timeline that spans the period between the first and last reports. Using the reports or 'Notes' introducing them, select events covered in the reports that you think help explain the relationship between the United States and Spain on the eve of Mexican independence. Based on your timeline, what inferences can be made regarding the relations between the United States and Spain?" From the Library of Cogress's Collection Connections for teachers.
The "Cry of Dolores" and Mexican Independence
Background information about Father Miguel Hidalgo and the "Grito de Dolores" ("Cry of Dolores"), the expression associated with Hidalgo's declaration of independence from Spain in Dolores, a town that is today located in Hidalgo, Mexico. From Thoughtco.com
Jefferson's Story of the Declaration
Thomas Jefferson's account of writing the Declaration of Independence
Charters of Freedom
Primary sources from the National Archives
DLTK's Custom Dominos
Great tool for any holiday or unit study theme. Pick a theme for your dominoes and then choose color or black and white before printing.
Independence National Historical Park
Independence Hall is the assembly hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. The Liberty Bell is located there as well. The website offers links and information for folks not able to visit in person.
Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents
From the Library of Congress. A look at the drafting documents to the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence
From the History Place.com
Primary Documents in American History
From the Library of Congress: Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Federalist Papers, Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789, Guide to American Historical Documents Online, and Charters of Freedom from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
Declaration of Independence
From the Library of Congress - Primary Documents in American History
United States Patriotic Theme
Preschool Activities and Crafts
USA Coloring Pages (posters)
DLTK's Crafts for Kids
The Declaration of Independence
From the National Archives (where the Declaration is housed), this website includes images of the original Declaration and its history as well as links to other important national documents that are housed at the Archives.
Fourth of July Crafts & Other Fun
From DLTK-Kids.com Includes crafts, printables, recipes, coloring pages, and games.
Crafts, Books, and Printables
Large selection of 4th of July items from Enchanted Learning
4th of July in History
From the US Library of Congress
4th of July Unit Study (Independence Day)
In depth unit for younger students
Independence Day
From Education World.com accessed through Wayback Archives
Myth and Truth: Independence Day
From Read Write Think.org This lesson explores all the dates and stories associated with the Declaration of Independence.
The Road to Revolution Game
An online game about the American Revolution. Every correct answer moves you further along the timeline to Revolution.
July 4th Activity Book to Make
For younger students, this book to make includes both period and current flags, the seal of the US, a revolutionary word search, a 50 states word search, and more.