1. Reading the Declaration
Grade 5 Unit 5, Lesson 1
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2. June 28-July 4, 1776 Congress debates and revises the Declaration of Independence
Jefferson presents the first draft of the Declaration on June 28, 1776.
Trumbull, J. (Artist). (1817). Declaration of independence. [Print Drawing]. Retrieved from
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3. Many pictures of drafts available at the Library of Congress:
Jefferson, T. (Producer). (1776). "original rough draught". [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
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4. July 4, 1776 Congress adopts Declaration of Independence
Congress voting the Declaration of Independence, Edward Savage and/or Robert Edge Pine, c at the Library of Congress:
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5. July 4, 1776 Sent to the printer
(1776). Dunlap broadside [declaration of independence]. (1776). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
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6. July 6, 1776 Printed in newspaper
Towner, B. (Producer). (1776). Declaration of independence, pennsylvania evening post. [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
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7. July 8, 1776 First public reading, Philadelphia
(1901). Liberty bell, independence hall, philadelphia, pa. . (1901). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
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8. July 9, 1776 Washington commands reading to troops
George Washington’s General Orders of July 9, 1776:
The Continental Congress, impelled by the dictates of duty, policy and necessity, having been pleased to dissolve the Connection which subsisted between this Country, and Great Britain, and to declare the United Colonies of North America, free and independent States: The several brigades are to be drawn up this evening on their respective Parades, at Six OClock, when the declaration of Congress, shewing the grounds and reasons of this measure, is to be read with an audible voice.
The General hopes this important Event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer, and soldier, to act with Fidelity and Courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his Country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms: And that he is now in the service of a State, possessed of sufficient power to reward his merit, and advance him to the highest Honors of a free Country.
Excerpt credit:
Washington, G. (1776, July 9). General orders. Retrieved
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9. Other readings Boston New York
Left: (2012). Declaration reading, state house. (2012). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
Right: (1776). Americans destroy a statue of king george iii . (1776). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from
After hearing the Declaration read, New York citizens pulled down the statue of King George
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