Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress, 1774
Document outlining grievances against British policies and asserting colonial rights—laying the groundwork for American resistance and revolution
Supporting Document
Paul Revere’s “A Certain Cabinet Junto,” 1775
A political cartoon depicting King George III and advisors discussing colonial unrest while Lady Liberty waits
Supporting Document
Declaration of the Causes and Necessity for Taking Up Arms, 1775
An address listing the colonists’ grievances and asserting the right to self-defense
Key Document
Phillis Wheatley’s Poem to His Excellency General Washington, 1775
A tribute to Washington’s leadership and the American cause that highlighted Wheatley’s literary prowess and support for independence
Supporting Document
Proclamation of Rebellion, August 23, 1775
George III’s declaration that the colonies were in “open rebellion” against the mother country
Supporting Document
The Farmer Refuted, 1775
A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling revolutionary sentiment
Supporting Document
Olive Branch Petition, 1775
The Continental Congress’s last major attempt to avoid war with Great Britain
Key Document
Patrick Henry’s Speech to Second Virginia Convention, 1775
An impassioned call to arms, advocating for colonial resistance against British oppression, and famously declaring, "Give me liberty or give me death!"
Key Document
The Farmer Refuted, 1775
A defense of American colonial rights against British tyranny secretly written by Alexander Hamilton—fueling revolutionary sentiment
Key Document
“The Battle of Lexington,” 1775
A patriotic poem by an African American soldier and clergyman
Supporting Document
General Philip Schuyler’s Report from Upstate New York, 1775
A report updating Washington on military affairs, especially American Indian relations and treaty negotiations
Supporting Document
George III Addresses Parliament on the Rebellion, 1775
A speech condemning the colonial uprising, pledging military action, and escalating the Revolutionary War tensions
Supporting Document