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Declaration of Independence (3:04)

To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?

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Videos (11)

  • Declaration of Independence
    Declaration of Independence

    Video Clip (3:04)

    To many in the Continental Congress, war was unthinkable. So why did they finally create this revolutionary document?

    Video Clip (3:04)
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    Jefferson Writes the Declaration of Independence

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    At 33, Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft of America's historic Declaration of Independence, which was approved by the Continental Congress after several days of debate and revisions on July 4, 1776.

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    Matt Damon: The Declaration of Independence

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    Discover how and when Americans celebrated Independence Day in the past. Although Benjamin Franklin thought we'd celebrate the 2nd of July; the 4th of July is closest to our hearts.

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    An unlikely pair whose tumultuous friendship lasted half a century, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826, 50 years after signing the Declaration of Independence.

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    The Meaning of July 4th for the Negro

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    Morgan Freeman performs the words of Fredrick Douglass addressing a white audience about the Fourth of July.

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    The Origin of Fireworks

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    James Madison: Did You Know?

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  • Jefferson: Here and Now Podcast Part 1
    Jefferson: Here and Now Podcast Part 1

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    The BackStory team has created two special podcasts for History Classroom about President Thomas Jefferson and his resonance in our world today.

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    Jefferson: Here and Now Podcast Part 2

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    The BackStory team has created two special podcasts for History Classroom about President Thomas Jefferson and his resonance in our world today.

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Photo Galleries (5)

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    Thomas Jefferson

    11 Photos

    See pictures from the life and presidency of Thomas Jefferson.

    (11 Photos)
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    American Revolution: Continental Congress

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    Discover the accomplishments of the First and Second Constitutional Congresses, and learn about the major players behind such documents as the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris.

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    American Revolution: Events and Battles

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    Explore Revolutionary battle sites such as Lexington, Concord and Yorktown, and learn how the events that took place there shaped the course of the war.

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  • American Revolution: Flags and Fliers
    American Revolution: Flags and Fliers

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    Discover some of the flags and fliers that circulated amongst the colonies before and during the American Revolution.

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  • American Revolution: Key Military Figures
    American Revolution: Key Military Figures

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    View images of key military figures from the American Revolution, and learn what role they played in this war of independence.

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Read More about Thomas Jefferson Drafts the Declaration of Independence

In 1776, Virginia planter and slave owner Thomas Jefferson wrote the foremost statement of human liberty and equality.

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