The Architect of the Capitol
The American Revolution
In 1776, a year after anti-British hostility had erupted into war, the leaders of the American Colonies declared independence, forming a country based on revolutionary republican ideals. Over the next five years, the Americans, with the aid of France, defeated British forces in the Revolutionary War, forcing Britain to recognize the sovereignty of the United States in 1783.
Expand All Guide SectionsOverview of the American Revolution
These Web sites provide a straightforward and comprehensive overview of the American Revolution.
Top Sites for an Overview of the American Revolution
The Library of Congress
recounts the American Revolution from the end of the French and Indian War in 1763 to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
The History Place
provides a detailed, six-part account of the American War of Independence that covers the conflict's origins dating back to the early 18th century.
The National Parks Service
provides a timeline of the revolution with links to national parks related to revolutionary events.
The University of Houston’s Digital History
is an online textbook that gives a straightforward account of the revolution and its origins.
General American Revolution Resources
This section links to American Revolution resources that feature articles, biographies and other secondary material on the causes and events of American Revolution.
Top Sites for American Revolution Resources
The Library of Congress
has a number of exhibitions on the people and issues central to the revolution.
The U.S. Army Center of Military History
presents a detailed account of the Revolutionary War in its volume “American Military History.”
The Massachusetts Historical Society
examines the causes of the revolution and events leading up to Declaration of Independence in “The Coming of the American Revolution.” It provides primary sources for 15 topics, with essays explaining the context. The MHS also has a Web site for the Battle of Bunker Hill.
HistoryNet
has many articles on the revolution from publications including American History magazine and Military History magazine.
Smithsonian Magazine
features articles that examine American Revolution myths, profiles several important revolutionary figures, and addresses other topics in a series of articles.
The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
presents “Principles of Freedom,” a Web site that examines the period from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the aftermath of the Constitution.
Primary Sources for the American Revolution
Primary sources such as letters, diaries, contemporary news stories, and government documents are essential for in-depth research into the American Revolution.
Top Sites for Primary Sources for the American Revolution
The Library of Congress’
American Memory section has many primary source collections, which include books, manuscripts, documents and journals of the Continental Congress, maps and photographs.
American Archives
is a collection of rare pamphlets, letters, newspaper articles and other rare documents from 1774-6 originally assembled by 19th century printer Peter Force and published in a nine-volume set. Northern Illinois University Libraries is digitizing the collection.
The Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs at Ashland University
has a collection of writings and speeches by many revolutionary figures.
The University of Michigan
has a collection of American and British spy letters. It includes stories about the letters, maps of the routes they traveled, and biographies of those who sent and received the letters.
The Haldimand Collection
features over 22,000 letters, journals, accounts and other documents written by British officers in North America.
© 2012 Dulcinea Media, Inc.
