The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the United States officially broke away from the British Empire when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. It highlighted the key principles of liberty, equality, the pursuit of happiness, and government by consent.
Explore the Interactive Declaration of Independence
The Interactive Declaration provides the Declaration’s plain text with media links to related content for each section.
Learn about the Declaration of Independence, and its influence throughout American history and around the world. Explore its text with interactive links to related content; a version of the Declaration annotated by Akhil Reed Amar; essays and videos by leading scholars covering the Declaration’s key principles and history, and biographical essays and videos covering the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Annotated Declaration of Independence
Constitutional scholar Akhil Reed Amar annotates the entire Declaration of Independence, providing historical and philosophical context for some of the most famous and important words in American history.
Explore the Foundation of the Declaration
Leading scholars explore the Declaration of Independence’s creation, its impact across American history, and its influence around the world.
Signers of the Declaration
Historian Carol Berkin shares definitive short biographies of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This section also includes an engaging video for each signer.
Teacher and Student Resources
Find lesson plans and activities to explore the Declaration, the Constitution, and founding principles in the classroom.
Washington Video Guide
Short video and questions to bring Washington's story to life.
Chervinsky Essay Activity
Explore the Declaration's conclusion with an essay and activity.
Kamensky Essay Reading Guide
A guide to Jefferson and Adams's revolutionary ideas.
Meet the Signer, Read the Source Activity
Discover James Wilson's story through video and questions.
America at 250 Civic Toolkit
The revolutionary ideas of 1776 laid the foundation for America's story - chapters that continue to shape our nation today. This toolkit gives you everything you need to explore the founding documents and the enduring vision they set in motion.
More on the Declaration
Discover more resources to learn about the Declaration and its impact today.
Thomas Jefferson: The Reader and Writer
Historians explore Thomas Jefferson’s life and legacy through the lens of his own education and what he read.
The Day the Revolution Began
Explore the events leading to the first shots of the American Revolution, the battles themselves, and the colonists’ response to this pivotal moment in history.
Constitution 101: Principles of the American Revolution
Take a look at three key principles of the #AmericanRevolution: natural rights, popular sovereignty, and rule of law.
Common Sense (1776)
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense exploded on the scene in January 1776, at a precarious moment when independence still seemed unthinkable.