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  1. History Lessons
  2. U.S. History
  3. Revolutionary War and Early U.S.
  4. Declaration of Independence
Topic: U.S. History
Time Period: Revolutionary War and Early U.S.

Declaration of Independence

Most students are familiar with the Declaration of Independence. But have they ever critically examined the text or questioned the motives of its authors? In this lesson plan, students weigh contrasting interpretations by prominent historians to answer the question: Why did the Founders write the Declaration of Independence?

[Lesson plan updated on 5/13/16.] 

Image: Thomas Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence from 1776. From the Library of Congress.

Image: Thomas Jefferson's original rough draft of the Declaration of Independence from 1776. From the Library of Congress.

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