A Timeline History of the Declaration of Independence

Timeline Trackers: America's Beginnings

by Allan Morey

By the 1760s, most American colonists had become fed up with British rule. They were tired of the unfair taxes and not being able to create their own laws, and cries for revolution were ringing out across the land. As the revolution took hold, Thomas Jefferson drafted a document that formally declared the colonies' independence.

The adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marked an important turning point in US history. Over the next five years, the colonists would fight to make their independence a reality.

Explore the history of this important document. Track the events and turning points that led the colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain.

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

What strikes me most about this account is that it begins with the French and Indian War. This level of background actually gives the reader a clearer sense of how the colonists were feeling in relation to Great Britain leading up to the events immediately preceding the Revolutionary War. It also gives a more precise explanation as to how the British viewed taxation in relation to the colonies - as payment for protection. The various taxes they imposed immediately following the conclusion of the French and Indian War are reviewed as well. There are several interesting and seldom mentioned facts including that concerning John Adams providing legal defense to the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. Yet another obscure fact of this matter is the Olive Branch Petition written by delegate John Dickinson speaking out against British laws but advocating for a peaceful resolution. Another fun fact, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" was originally titled "Plain Truth." The book takes us from the French and Indian War right up to the conclusion of the Revolutionary War in a concise manner that still offers surprising factoids. The layout includes a timeline across each page and enough illustrations to keep things visually interesting and relevant. The back-matter includes a writing prompt, glossary, index and further reading. I highly recommend for public and school libraries.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

This title is one of the “Timeline Trackers: America’s beginnings” series and enumerates the events leading up to and after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Beginning in 1754 with the French and Indian War for background information to 1870 when July 4 was declared a federal holiday, the straightforward text and timelines recount key turning points surrounding the Declaration of Independence. These events include British oppressive acts and colonial responses, Revolutionary War battles, and the assemblies of the Continental Congresses. It is filled with nonfiction elements to aid readers’ understanding of the importance of this document: illustrations, primary source documents, fact boxes and, of course, the timelines. Back matter includes a writing prompt, source notes, bibliography, websites, glossary and index. The book is an excellent resource for students and teachers. It takes admittedly dry subject matter and presents it in a linear format with tremendous visual appeal. The title is a must for any library.

[Teresa Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a thorough but interesting presentation of how the Declaration of Independence came to be. Though it is not a lengthy book, it covers all the important details. Every page features a timeline of events pertaining to the section's topic. There are pictures as well as what looks to be photocopies of original documents. I recommend it as a superb reference for the students.

[Culleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is another book for a book review at work. Very well written. Covers facts about the events leading up to the American Revolution. Timeline, table of contents, index, glossary, photos and illustration.