The Declaration's Journey Big Ideas
Explore the impact of the Declaration of Independence and its ideals on its journey through global and United States history through these short essays. Unit 1 takes students through the dawn of the Declaration and the reactions that people had to the document in 1776. Units 2 and 4 explore the Declaration’s influence on world history in different eras, while Units 3 and 5 let students dive deeper into how Americans viewed and pushed for the promise of the Declaration since 1776.
Big Idea 1: The Declaration in its Time
The Declaration of Independence was created in 1776, but what inspired its creation and how did it spread?
Big Idea 2: Age of Revolutions
Within a decade, the Declaration of Independence had global ramifications. This document sparked an Age of Revolutions within Europe and the Americas.
Big Idea 3: The Declaration’s First Century at Home
During its first century, questions remained about the Declaration’s promises of equality and liberty and to whom those promises applied.
Big Idea 4: Independence and Human Rights in the 20th and 21st Centuries
The 20th century saw the Declaration of Independence’s influence in new independence movements and the creation of a Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Big Idea 5: The Declaration in 20th and 21st Century United States
How did the Declaration of Independence and its ideals influence different movements pushing for change in the United States? How do they continue today?
Additional Teacher Resources
The Declaration's Journey Teacher Resources
In celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary, take your class on a journey with the Declaration of Independence around the world and throughout history.
The Declaration's Journey Glossary
Use these glossary terms to help your class explore The Declaration’s Journey Big Ideas and modular activities.