Topic: Ideas & Ideologies
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Thomas Paine
This miniature portrait of Thomas Paine was painted by John Trumbull for Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was an admirer of Paine, whose pamphlet, Common Sense, helped promote popular sentiment for the...
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To the British Settlements in America upon Slave-keeping
In this 1773 pamphlet, Benjamin Rush of Philadelphia condemned slavery as morally wrong. He also insisted that the continued existence of slavery endangered the liberty and prosperity of white people....
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To the Speakers of the House of Delegates, and of the Senate
In this 1801 speech, Governor James Monroe made a powerful case in favor of public education in Virginia. Governments that depended on the people for their talents and support, he...
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UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights
After WWII, the international community created the United Nations as a means to prevent future global conflict and brutalities. This document, the UN Declaration of Human Rights, complements the UN...
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Virginia Company Charter
In 1606, the Virginia Company of London received this charter from King James I. In 1607, the company established the first permanent English colony in America at Jamestown. This charter...
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Virginia Declaration of Rights
In June 1776, Virginia’s temporary government—known as the Convention—unanimously adopted this Declaration of Rights. George Mason was the main author of the document, which aimed to secure the civil and...
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Washington’s First Inaugural Address
This document is the text of George Washington’s first inaugural address as president. Although Washington chose not to mention particular policies that his administration would pursue, he pledged to serve...
Lesson Plan
Who was Thomas Jefferson? Exploring the Many Facets of Thomas Jefferson
As an introduction to Thomas Jefferson, students will discover the many facets of his life beyond being the author of The Declaration of Independence. Using primary sources, internet research, and...
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Word Cloud of students’ answer to the challenge "What does July 4th mean to me?"
This word cloud was created from responses to the challenge “What does July 4th Mean to me.” The challenge was issued to home schooled students on Home Educator’s Day, September...
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