Guides: History: Primary Sources for Colonial America and The Revolutionary War Era

Why We Won the American Revolution: Through Primary Sources
When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it marked the birth of a new nation, but the United States of America was not yet free. A brutal war gripped the nation. The grueling fight against Great Britain was far from over. How did the colonies claim victory against the most powerful army in the world in the battle for independence? Find out why we won the American Revolution.
Historical Sources on the Revolutionary War
While some students might know about the Battles of Lexington and Concord and the Declaration of Independence, this book will offer them the opportunity to engage with riveting primary-source material about the war that formed a nation. Letters, newspapers, speeches, legal documents, and diary entries paint a picture of the toll and cost of the American Revolution. Students will learn from the words of soldiers, doctors, wives, and politicians about the laws that enraged the colonists. They'll get a glimpse at the lives of those who fought on both sides of the conflict as well as those who remained at home.
Courageous Children and Women of the American Revolution: Through Primary Sources
History remembers the leaders of the American Revolution, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, but the war could not have been won without the unsung heroes, courageous women and children. Women served as nurses and spies. A few even fought in battle. Children supported the cause, too. Although the fighting age was supposed to be sixteen, many young men fought in battle. Women and children made great sacrifices to help America win its freedom.
American Indians and African Americans of the American Revolution: Through Primary Sources
When the American Revolution began, thousands of people rushed to join the fight, on both sides. For many, choosing which side to fight for was difficult. Half a million black slaves lived in the thirteen colonies. About 200,000 American Indians lived on lands east of the Mississippi River. Both groups had much to gain, or lose, depending on which side won the war. Should they support the Americans fighting for independence, or support the British cause? This book explores through primary sources the amazing stories of African Americans and American Indians during the American Revolution.
America's Founding Documents
The Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the United States Constitution, the

Soon after the start of the American Revolutionary War in 1775, the Thirteen Colonies proclaimed their independence from British rule and became the United States of America. The written word proved vital in shaping America's new identity, laying the groundwork for societal principles and political doctrine alike. From Thomas Jefferson and the members of the Second Continental Congress, to Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, the authors of these documents had a profound and lasting effect on United States history. This collection includes unabridged versions of five famous and influential documents that helped to found a nation: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Articles of Confederation (1777), the United States Constitution (1787), the Federalist Papers (1787-1788), and the Bill of Rights (1791).

eBook - 2012

Adams is remembered for the many letters she wrote to her husband while he stayed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during the Continental Congresses. John f...Show more

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The Adams-Jefferson Letters

The Complete Correspondence Between Thomas Jefferson and Abigail and John Adams

by Cappon, Lester J.

eBook - 2012

An intellectual dialogue of the highest plane achieved in America, the correspondence between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson spanned half a century and embraced government, philosophy, religion, quotidiana, and family griefs and joys.

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Baron Von Steuben's Revolutionary War Drill Manual

by William, Frederick

eBook - 2012

Facsimile of extremely rare 1794 edition of von Steuben's basic manual of military training and procedure - the official U.S. military guide until 1812. I...Show more

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Reporting the Revolutionary War

Before It Was History, It Was News

by Andrlik, Todd

eBook - 2012

Presents a collection of primary source newspaper articles and correspondence reporting the events of the Revolution, containing both American and British eyewitness accounts and commentary and analysis from thirty-seven historians.

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This Glorious Struggle

George Washington's Revolutionary War Letters

by Lengel, Edward G.

eBook - 2009

George Washington wrote an astonishing number of letters, both personal and professional. The majority-about 140,000 documents-are from his years as comma...Show more

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Benjamin Franklin Wealth and Wisdom

The Way to Wealth and The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

by Franklin, Benjamin

eBook - 2019

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Franklin offers his life story, at least the first few decades, as he died without finishing it, as he tries to identify and develop a formula for personal success.

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History: Primary Sources for Colonial America and The Revolutionary War Era

Revolutionary War eResources:

Primary Sources You Can Check Out From Home Right Now

M. P. Baker Library