The Declaration of Independence: A Revolutionary Document and Its Unfinished Promise
The Declaration of Independence was a bold move to separate from Britain, but its ideals of equality did not apply to everyone, leaving unresolved issues of slavery and native rights.
The article "The Declaration of Independence: A Revolutionary Document and Its Unfinished Promise" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains the origins and content of the Declaration of Independence, which declared the American colonies free from British rule. The document outlined grievances against King George III and promised freedom and equality, yet it ignored key groups like enslaved people and Native Americans.
BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.
BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.
Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.
Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.
More Like This
The article "Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the diverse roles women played during the American Revolution. It highlights figures like Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights; Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight; and Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved poet whose writings inspired many.
The article "From Tea to Treaty: A Timeline of the American Revolution" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a detailed journey through the pivotal moments of the American Revolution. It explores the tensions between Britain and its American colonies — from unfair taxes to the outbreak of war — culminating in the formation of the United States and the signing of the Constitution.
The article "The Boston Tea Party: The Protest That Sparked Revolution" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains the critical event in December 1773 when colonists protested British taxation by dumping 46 tons of tea into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party marked a significant turning point in American history, galvanizing further rebellion that eventually led to the American Revolution.
The article “The Global Legacy of the Boston Tea Party” from BBC's HistoryExtra explains how the 1773 protest in Boston was influenced by global trade, colonial oppression, and the British Empire's economic crisis. The protest, where patriots dumped tea into Boston Harbor, sparked a revolution and became a model for civil disobedience around the world.
The article "Women in the American Revolution: Courageous Contributions on the Road to Independence" from BBC's HistoryExtra explores the diverse roles women played during the American Revolution. It highlights figures like Abigail Adams, who advocated for women's rights; Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight; and Phillis Wheatley, an enslaved poet whose writings inspired many.
The article "From Tea to Treaty: A Timeline of the American Revolution" from BBC's HistoryExtra is a detailed journey through the pivotal moments of the American Revolution. It explores the tensions between Britain and its American colonies — from unfair taxes to the outbreak of war — culminating in the formation of the United States and the signing of the Constitution.
The article "The Boston Tea Party: The Protest That Sparked Revolution" from BBC's HistoryExtra explains the critical event in December 1773 when colonists protested British taxation by dumping 46 tons of tea into Boston Harbor. The Boston Tea Party marked a significant turning point in American history, galvanizing further rebellion that eventually led to the American Revolution.
The article “The Global Legacy of the Boston Tea Party” from BBC's HistoryExtra explains how the 1773 protest in Boston was influenced by global trade, colonial oppression, and the British Empire's economic crisis. The protest, where patriots dumped tea into Boston Harbor, sparked a revolution and became a model for civil disobedience around the world.