Revolution- The Declaration of Independence

Activity 1: The Declaration of Independence and Women’s Suffrage 
Have students read a letter from Abigail Adams to John Adams dated March 31, 1776, now known as “Remember the Ladies.” Pass out a copy of an excerpt of the letter to each student. As the students read the letter, have each student complete a Library of Congress Primary Source Analysis Tool. When the students have completed their analysis of the letter, the teacher will randomly select students in the class to share their answers. The teacher will then project on the Smart Board/projector the following discussion question: “Why doesn’t the Declaration of Independence address women’s issues discussed in Abigail Adam’s letter?” (Standard 8.23, 8.49)
Activity 2: The Declaration of Independence and Fredrick Douglass
Have your students read a speech, “The Meaning of the Fourth of July for the Negro,” by Frederick Douglass to the citizens of Rochester, New York. The date of the speech is July 5, 1852. Break you students into pairs and pass out excerpts of Frederick Douglass’s speech to each student group (p. 11). Direct the student groups to read excerpts from the speech and answer the seven questions that are located underneath the speech. After the students have completed this assignment, the teacher will randomly select student groups to share their answers with the class. (Standard 8.66)