The American Revolution Primary Sources

The American Revolution Primary Sources

Historical documents. What clues can you gather about the time, place, players, and culture?

Yale Avalon Project's Revolution Era Documents

We already mentioned this one, but it bears repeating. Yale Law School has compiled several primary-source documents from both the colonists and Parliament during the revolutionary era, and put them all on this page for your convenient perusal.

The Stamp Act

We've got an entire learning guide devoted to the much-hated Stamp Act of 1765.

The Declaration of Independence

Enough is enough for the colonists. So, they—well Thomas Jefferson—whips up a very detailed document explaining why they need independence. We have an entire learning guide on this one.

Treaty of Paris

Check out our entire learning guide for this treaty, which made the U.S. of A. official.

An Initial Attempt at Unity

The Albany Plan of Union (unsuccessful), developed by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Hutchinson in 1754.

"Poor Richard" Tells His Story

You can read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography online.

Colonial Government

The Continental Congress statement of October 20th, 1774, declaring "the Association" of colonies who would boycott British goods.

A Last Resort

The Continental Congress, Petition to the King, July 8th, 1775, known as the Olive Branch Petition.

The Art of Independence

An essay on the "Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence."

America Triumphant

The Articles of Capitulation under which British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to the allied American and French forces.