This site features an online facsimile of the letter written by the Spanish Ambassador to the United States in which he criticized American President William McKinley. Its publication generated public support for a war with Spain over the issue of independence for the Spanish colony of Cuba.

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides an extensive overview of the Declaration of Independence. View the actual document, explore the history of the document as well as it's "stylistic artistry," and much more.

The Our Documents group provides a look at the original, signed Declaration of Independence as well as a print version distributed soon after the original was signed. View and learn about the document and its history. RI.9-10.9 US Documents

On this National Archives and Records Administration web site, Stephen E. Lucas describes how the Declaration of Independence is a persuasive piece of literature. Lucus goes into details of the Declaration of Independence studying, at the level of the sentence, phrase, word, and syllable of the entire Declaration.

Video [1:21:02] published in 1945 by the Department of War in conjunction with British Government surveys entire WWII campaign in Western Europe from just before D-Day to the surrender of Germany in May 1945.

Read a brief overview of the history behind this executive order that integrated the segregated military and then read a copy of the complete original text.

This activity presents students with two versions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous speech following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor-an earlier typewritten draft and his final reading copy. Students will read, analyze, and contrast these two versions to see the impact of his changes to the overall message and tone of the speech. W.11-12.9b US Doc Analysis

How can you actually bring history to life? Here are some tools from the National Archives that allow students to create their own projects using primary-source based activities that develop historical thinking skills. Special historical eras are offered as well as different types of activities. You can create your own, but must register with the National Archives site first.

In this activity, students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to see examples of 'checks and balances' between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches in action. Students will then match the documents they have examined with an appropriate description of the branches of government involved in the action.

In this activity, students will analyze documents that illustrate the relationship between the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Using the scale in Weighing the Evidence, students will decide whether the United States government more appropriately fits the concept of 'separation of powers' or 'shared powers.'

In this activity students will analyze documents that span the course of American history to determine their connection to the U.S. Constitution. Students will then make connections between the documents they have examined and the big ideas found within the Constitution.

Learn about the Dred Scott decision and why it changed the course of American history even though many now consider it the worst opinion ever rendered by the U.S. Supreme Court. Includes full-page scans of the decision, a transcription, and background information on its significance.

Original video [1:16:19] features the Duke Ellington Orchestra playing most of its standing repertoire.

Video [28:25] tells of the historic flight Apollo 11 moon landing as seen through television, motion picture and still photography.

Original video [27:31] published in 1973 about the importance of Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS) in planning for and monitoring earth's resources.

The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) provides an elaborate overview of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Content includes detailed background information behind the document, photos of the original document, a full transcript, and an audio clip of a former slave discussing work and living conditions after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Image of handwritten copy of Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, accompanied by an explanation of the speech's purpose, impact, and role in American history.

Original footage [20:04] published in 1943 from the U.S. Navy and the March of Times discusses Shintoism and the Samurai Code effect on the Japanese psyche.

Shows the original document of the executive order that President Kennedy signed establishing the Peace Corps in 1961. Gives background information and the complete easy to read text.