American Revolution primary source set American Memory Timeline: American Revolution select primary sources & primary source analysis prompts Learning from the Source: Minutemen & the Start of the Revolution learning activity 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" … [Read more...]
NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise Topic Ideas: U.S. History Prior to 1800
August 7, 2017 by 1 Comment
These curated resource lists coincide with the topic ideas listed in the NHD 2018 Conflict & Compromise theme sample topics list. The links lead to resources accessed from the Library of Congress (LOC.gov) unless otherwise noted. Note: U.S. historic newspaper coverage is from 1789-1924 unless otherwise noted. Conflict in Salem: The Witchcraft Trials Today in History: Salem Witch Trials background, primary sources, more resources Salem Witch Trials Documentary Archive University of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Nathan Hale
September 22, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 Hale by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access related resources. Patriot Nathan Hale Was Hanged from … [Read more...]
Today in History: Preliminary Articles of Peace Ratified
April 15, 2014 by Leave a Comment
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 and guaranteed U.S. independence as well as awarding the territory between the 13 … [Read more...]
Today in History: Robert R. Livingston
November 27, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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 time of the Louisiana Purchase. Find out more about this revolutionary politico by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links … [Read more...]
Primary Source Learning: The Places You’ll Go with Maps
November 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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 lessons and activities. Zoom in now! Map Collections American Revolution Maps & Charts of North America & the West Indies 1750-1789 an important … [Read more...]
Today in History: John André & Benedict Arnold
October 2, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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 for 20,000 pounds. Although he avoided Major André's ignoble fate and served in the … [Read more...]
Today in History: Valley Forge
September 26, 2013 by Leave a Comment
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 during the American Revolution by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to uncover … [Read more...]
Today in History: John Trumbull
June 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–June 6–the Library of Congress features artist John Trumbull, born on this day in 1756 in Lebanon, Connecticut. Before he began painting, this son of Connecticut governor Jonathan Trumbull, served as an aide to General George Washington during the Revolution. Trumbull painted portraits of leading figures of the day and is best known for his historical paintings that adorn the rotunda of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., including the Declaration of … [Read more...]
Today in History: Franco-American Alliance
February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today in History–February 6–the Library of Congress features the Franco-American alliance, solidified on this date in 1778 when France and the United States signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance. The former recognized the United States as an independent nation and promoted trade between the two countries and the latter created a military alliance against Great Britain so long as America remained independent. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then … [Read more...]
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