1775-1783

A book for young readers about the life of Thomas Paine and the impact of his most famous work, Common Sense.

Keep readers at the edge of their seats with this riveting examination of a history-changing rivalry.

"The award-winning author of Founding Brothers and The Quartet now gives us a deeply insightful examination of the relevance of the views of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams to some of the most divisive issues in America today. The story of history is a ceaseless conversation between past and present, and in American Dialogue Joseph J. Ellis focuses the conversation on the often-asked question "What would the Founding Fathers think?" He examines four of our most seminal historical figures through the prism of particular topics, using the perspective of the present to shed light on their views and, in turn, to make clear how their now centuries-old ideas illuminate the disturbing impasse of today's political conflicts. He discusses Jefferson and the issue of racism, Adams and the specter of economic inequality, Washington and American imperialism, Madison and the doctrine of original intent. Through these juxtapositions--and in his hallmark dramatic and compelling narrative voice--Ellis illuminates the obstacles and pitfalls paralyzing contemporary discussions of these fundamentally important issues"--.

An in-depth look at the leaders, battles, institutions, and ideals that contributed to the creation of the Declaration of Independence.

Provides a cultural and historical context for the development of the United States during the late eighteenth century, and includes taxing the colonies, taking a stand for independence, creating a new country, the Constitutional Convention, the new government, and more.

"An illustrated collection of essays that explores the international dimensions of the American Revolution and its legacies in both America and around the world."--Provided by publisher.

Every year more than a million people troop into the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. to see the Declaration of Independence. It is perhaps this country's most famous document. Its 56 signers knew they were risking their lives by putting their names on it. But they believed so strongly in the cause of independence that they were willing to take the risk. Today's viewers may not be aware of the trials and tribulations that the document itself went through before arriving at its permanent home in 1952. It survived invasions, environmental dangers, even the threat of bombing. Now it serves as a constant reminder of the ideals that the United States is based on.

The year 1765 was an exciting time in the American colonies. The British Parliament passed the Stamp Act, putting a tax on items ranging from newspapers to playing cards. This action infuriated the colonists. Patriot groups known as the Sons of Liberty rallied them against this Act. Angry mobs roamed city streets, trashing officials' houses and threatening stamp distributors. Delegates from several colonies met in New York for the Stamp Act Congress. The representatives at this Congress worked together to discuss how to oppose what they believed to be a British injustice toward them. They created a Declaration of Rights to express their complaints and concerns. The Stamp Act Congress was an important event in American history. It was the first of many steps that would lead to the American colonies declaring their independence from Great Britain.

"Fireworks! Parades! Shows! John Adams said that Americans should have all of these things to celebrate the Declaration of Independence. Adams was jubilant when the Second Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great Britain. It had been a long journey for the Congress to agree to separate from their mother country. And it would be a still longer journey before the fight was over. Many of the most important decisions for the new United States of America were made by the members of the Second Continental Congress during the first eighteen months it met in Philadelphia. This is the story of that Congress."--Provided by publisher.

"Step back in time to the birth of America and meet the real-life rebels who made this country free! On a hot summer day near Philadelphia in 1776, Thomas Jefferson sat at his desk and wrote furiously until early the next morning. He was drafting the Declaration of Independence, a document that would sever this country's ties with Britain and announce a new nation--The United States of America. Colonists were willing to risk their lives for freedom, and the Declaration of Independence made that official. Discover the true story of one of the most radical and uplifting documents in history and follow the action that fueled the Revolutionary War"--Provided by publisher.