Primary Source Learning: U.S. History by Time Period

Primary Source Learning: U.S. History by Time Period

The U.S. History Primary Source Timeline spans nearly 400 years, covering 9 time periods. Each time period includes an overview and several subsections and each of these, in turn, provide background information and a selection of curated primary sources. Colonial Settlement, 1600s – 1763 The American Revolution, 1763 – 1783 The New Nation, 1783 –…

Primary Source Learning: American Revolution

Primary Source Learning: American Revolution

Primary source sets with teaching resources American Revolution and U.S. Constitution Emerging America American Revolutionary War and Its Impact on the West State Historical Society of Iowa Coming of the American Revolution TPS-MTSU Revolutionary America (1755-1787) Inquiry in the Upper Midwest Collection Connections American Memory Timeline: American Revolution select primary sources & primary source analysis prompts…

Primary Source Spotlight: American Revolution

Primary Source Spotlight: American Revolution

Primary sources U.S. History Primary Source Timeline: American Revolution American Revolution primary source set The American Revolution and Its Era: Maps and Charts collection Mapping the American Revolution and Its Era Battle maps and charts of the American Revolution (1881) Printed Ephemera 1763-1783 A broadside titled “No Stamped Paper to be had” reports a variety of colonial…

Today in History: Nathan Hale

Today in History: Nathan Hale

Today in History–September 22–the Library of Congress features Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hale, who was hanged for spying on British troops on this date in 1776. This teacher turned soldier is famous for the words he allegedly spoke before his execution, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Find out more about patriot Nathan…

Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified

Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified

Today in History–April 15–the Library of Congress features the Continental Congress ratification of the preliminary articles of peace  with Great Britain on this date in 1783. Negotiations to conclude the Revolutionary War had begun a year earlier. “International intrigue and intense negotiation preceded the formulation of these preliminary articles.” The final, formal treaty was signed on September 3, 1783…

Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History: Robert R. Livingston

Today in History–November 27–the Library of Congress features statesman Robert R. Livingston, born on this day in 1746. Born into a prominent New York family, Livingston was a politically active lawyer. He was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence, helped draft New York’s first constitution, and served as minister to France at the…

Primary Source Learning: The Places You’ll Go with Maps

Primary Source Learning: The Places You’ll Go with Maps

The Library of Congress has custody of the largest and most comprehensive cartographic collection in the world and there are so many places you can visit with the Library of Congress’ fabulous digitized map collections. Take a look at the wide variety of maps you can explore in incredible detail and discover engaging primary source…

Today in History: John André & Benedict Arnold

Today in History: John André & Benedict Arnold

Today in History–October 2–the Library of Congress features Revolutionary War officers Major John André and Brigadier General Benedict Arnold. On this day in 1780 André, a British intelligence officer, was hanged as a spy after being caught with papers concerning Arnold’s treasonous dealings. Only a short time before, the Continental army general had agreed to surrender West Point to the British in exchange…

Today in History: Valley Forge

Today in History: Valley Forge

Today in History–September 26–the Library of Congress features Valley Forge. On this day in 1777, the Continental Congress was forced to flee when British troops marched into the city of Philadelphia. The Continental Army under General George Washington spent the winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania while British troops held Philadelphia. Find out more about this difficult season…