Guided Primary Source Analysis: Signing the Declaration of Their Independence

Compare and contrast the illustration above with this well-known print. What similarities do you notice? What differences do you see?

This illustration is actually a political cartoon. What do you think the purpose of the creator might have been? Now read the source record as well as the source record for the comparison print. Do you think this source above is a good argument for or against supporting woman suffrage, or the right of women to vote? Why or why not?

Complete a close reading of the introduction, or the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence. Use what you learned from the comparison of the two images, along with the declaration’s preamble to create a commentary on the meaning of that text in the context of today. You may create a political cartoon, poem, song, or other relevant product of your choosing.

What other observations, reflections or questions does this source inspire? Let us know!