Historical Research Library

Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era. 

Singers and dancers focused on Chris Jackson playing George Washington

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Declaration of Independence, Charleston, South Carolina, printed August 2, 1776 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Declaration of Independence, 1776

The founding document that asserted colonial autonomy, enumerated grievances, and set forth the ideals of a new nation

Key Document
"Common Sense: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America" by Thomas Paine (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, GLC08643)

Common Sense, 1776

Influential pamphlet by Thomas Paine, advocating American independence from British rule and inspiring revolutionary sentiment

Supporting Document
Declaration of Independence, Charleston, South Carolina, printed August 2, 1776 (The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History)

Declaration of Independence, 1776

The founding document that asserted colonial autonomy, enumerated grievances, and set forth the ideals of a new nation

Supporting Document
Liberty Further Extended

“Liberty Further Extended,” 1776

After the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Lemuel Haynes wrote an essay, probably with the intention of publishing it, entitled “Liberty Further Extended: Or Free Thoughts on the Illegality of Slave-Keeping.” In this essay, Haynes argued that “all men are created equal” meant all men no matter the color of their skin. 

Supporting Document