The Declaration of Independence has made a lasting impact on American history. The meaning of the document has resonated through many historical events in American society. Another requirement of Celebrate Freedom Week is to connect the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence to various individuals and events throughout history.
| “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” |
The quote above from the Declaration of Independence refers to the equality of all Americans and the individual rights afforded them. The United States is a nation of immigrants which has added to the rich diversity of this nation. The following lessons will address the ideas about diversity derived from the Declaration of Independence.
Module 1, Lesson 5- Early Immigration and Migration in America
This lesson allows you to determine the causes and effects of early immigration and migration to the United States using information about various ethnic, racial, and religious groups.
Module 3, Lesson 4- The Settlement Patterns of Early America
This lesson examines the settlement patterns of various racial, ethnic, and religious groups. It also allows you to analyze their impact on selected regions of the United States.
| “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” |
The quote above from the Declaration of Independence was written as the American colonists embarked upon the American Revolution.
Module 2, Lesson 1- The American Revolution
In this lesson you will be able to identify the political and economic issues surrounding the American Revolution.
Module 2, Lesson 2- Major Historical Figures of the American Revolution
This lesson highlights historical figures related to the American Revolution where you will be able to identify and explain their impact and importance in the American Revolution.
| “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness.” |
The quote above from the Declaration of Independence refers to citizens being able to make changes to the government when they find it necessary. Throughout American history, American citizens have done this through various reform movements. The lesson below addresses this requirement of Celebrate Freedom Week.
Module 2, Lesson 5- The Reform Movements of Early America
This lesson examines the impact of several reform movements, including the women’s rights movement and the abolitionist movement.
Module 5, Lesson 2- Causes of the Civil War
This lesson allows you to analyze the political, economic and social causes of the Civil War, including the abolitionist movement.
The Chronology of Historical Figures interactive tool can help you extend your research of individuals who are important to the Declaration of Independence and the ideas expressed within the document.
Explore the Chronology of Historical Figures tool below and discover ways in which it can help you learn more about the individuals who have impacted American history. For more information about using this tool, see Module 7, Lesson 2 - Historical Figures.