America 250 Reading List (PBS)
This Independence Day, PBS Books is proud to present the America250 Reading List—a curated literary journey that celebrates the path to American freedom and commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Spain and the Independence of the United States: an Intrinsic Gift- by Thomas Chavez (2004)
The role of Spain in the birth of the United States is a little known and little understood aspect of U.S. independence. Through actual fighting, provision of supplies, and money, Spain helped the young British colonies succeed in becoming an independent nation. Soldiers were recruited from all over the Spanish empire, from Spain itself and from throughout Spanish America. Many died fighting British soldiers and their allies in Central America, the Caribbean, along the Mississippi River from New Orleans to St. Louis and as far north as Michigan, along the Gulf Coast to Mobile and Pensacola, as well as in Europe.
New Mexico’s Contribution to the American Revolutionary Cause: from Original Letters and Documents, 1779-1785 – by Harriet McCallum (2023)
In 1780, Carlos III issued a Royal Cedula or “edict” declaring that Spain, too, was at war with Great Britain and all “contact, communication and commerce” with England should cease. News of these events arrived in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 1780 but it wasn’t until August of 1781 that a subsequent edict arrived requesting a “voluntary contribution” or “donativo” to assist Spain in its war efforts (including its aid to the American colonies.) This edict was posted in Santa Fe and surrounding communities by April 1782.
Recovered Memories. Spain, New Orleans and the Support for the American Revolution (PDF)
Unveiling Memories. Spain and the Hispanic Contribution to U.S. Independence (PDF).
The National Archives Store has full-size reproductions of founding documents.
Pre-Declaration
Magna Carta: A Captivating Guide to the History of the Great Charter and its Influence on Medieval England and the Rest of the World $ 19.95
The Magna Carta is celebrated as one of the most important documents in human history. It is the main source of constitutional law around the world, promising people liberties and protection from the arbitrary power of the government.
However, it is also a set of promises extorted in bad faith from an unwilling king, and these promises dealt with the problems of the 13th-century aristocracy. Among the ordinary problems of fees, customs, and land law, greater ideas found their way into the document, revolutionary ideas that would change the world.
Charters of Freedom: Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States of America, The Bill of Right ($28.00)
This entertaining read and essential collection of stories is about the surprising and strange fates of the fifty-six Founding Fathers who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the United States Constitution By Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese $15.99
This entertaining and essential collection of stories is about the surprising and strange fates of the thirty-nine statesmen who created the U.S. Constitution.
This companion volume to Signing Their Lives Away tells the untold stories of the signers of the U.S. Constitution and comes at a time when constitutional rights are at the forefront of our minds.
Thomas Jefferson : a biography of spirit and flesh
Author:Thomas S. Kidd (Author) 2022
Summary: "Thomas Jefferson was arguably the most brilliant and inspiring political writer in American history. But the ethical realities of his personal life and political career did not live up to his soaring rhetoric. Indeed, three tensions defined Jefferson's moral life: democracy versus slavery, republican virtue versus dissolute consumption, and veneration for Jesus versus skepticism about Christianity. In this book Thomas S. Kidd tells the story of Jefferson's ethical life through the lens of these tensions, including an unapologetic focus on the issue where Jefferson's idealistic philosophy and lived reality clashed most obviously: his sexual relationship with his enslaved woman Sally Hemings. In doing so, he offers a unique perspective on one of American history's most studied figures."--Dust jacket
Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, $ 22.00
The #1 New York Times bestselling, rich, unprecedented biography of Thomas Jefferson, an original thinker, and a master politician, who helped create and sustain the American republic.
Jon Meacham brings to life the complete man, from birth to his last days--through the Revolutionary War and his years as President. We see the Founding Father who steered the states to nationhood, wrote the Declaration of Independence, and, as a master politician President, doubled the size of America through the Louisiana Purchase. With a powerful narrative, Meacham guides us through the life and extraordinary times of a man often admired but, before now, never truly understood in all his complexity.
Online:
Ben's Guide to the U.S. Government
Presents educational content for the public on the workings of the U.S. Government and U.S. history, with a focus on civics.
The Constitution of the United States and the Declaration of Independence (Pocket Edition) (2019 printing)
This official publication contains two core American democracy documents-- the Constitution of the United States of America and the Declaration of Independence. It outlines the framework of our national government and unites American citizens.
This pocket-sized document can easily be transported as a reminder of how our government is structured and operates. It also defines the ratification and amendment ratification process.
The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation
Also known as the Constitution Annotated, includes the U.S. Constitution and analysis and interpretation, with in-text annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen by Linda Colley
ISBN: 9781631498350
Publication Date: 2021-03-30
A work of extraordinary range and striking originality, The Gun, the Ship, and the Pen traces the global history of written constitutions from the 1750s to the twentieth century, modifying accepted narratives and uncovering the close connections between the making of constitutions and the making of war. In the process, Linda Colley both reappraises famous constitutions and recovers those that have been marginalized but were central to the rise of a modern world.
How to Read the Constitution--And Why by Kim Wehle
ISBN: 9780062896315
Publication Date: 2019-06-25
The Constitution is the most significant document in America. But do you fully understand what this valuable document means to you? In How to Read the Constitution--and Why, legal expert and educator Kimberly Wehle spells out in clear, simple, and common sense terms what is in the Constitution, and most importantly, what it means. In compelling terms and including text from the United States Constitution, she describes how the Constitution’s protections are eroding—not only in express terms but by virtue of the many legal and social norms that no longer shore up its legitimacy—and why every American needs to heed to this “red flag” moment in our democracy.
A Leap in the Dark by John Ferling
Call Number: E195.F47 2003
ISBN: 9780195159240
Publication Date: 2003-06-12
It was an age of fascinating leaders and difficult choices, of grand ideas eloquently expressed and of epic conflicts bitterly fought. Now comes a brilliant portrait of the American Revolution, one that is compelling in its prose, fascinating in its details, and provocative in its fresh interpretations. In A Leap in the Dark, John Ferling offers a magisterial new history that surges from the first rumblings of colonial protest to the volcanic election of 1800.
The Founding Fathers Reconsidered by R. B. Bernstein
ISBN: 9780195338324
Publication Date: 2009-05-05
Here is a concise, scholarly, yet accessible overview of the brilliant, flawed, and quarrelsome group of lawyers, politicians, merchants, military men, and clergy known as "the Founding Fathers" - who got as close to the ideal of the Platonic "philosopher-kings" as American or world history has ever seen. In The Founding Fathers Reconsidered, R. B. Bernstein reveals Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and the other founders not as shining demigods but as imperfect human beings - people much like us - who nevertheless achieved political greatness.
Founding Brothers By Joseph J. Ellis, $ 29.99
The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers—re-examined here as Founding Brothers—combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes—Hamilton and Burr’s deadly duel, Washington’s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams’ administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin’s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison’s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams’ famous correspondence—Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation’s history.
1776
Author: David G. McCullough
Summary:Chronicles the American Revolution during the year 1776, examining the leadership of George Washington and British commander William Howe and the experiences of American and British troops
Print Book, English, 2006
Edition: First Simon & Schuster paperback edition
Making History at 250 Field Guide
La guÍa de campo para el semiquincentario (Español)
"The people, events, and ideas of the Revolutionary era profoundly changed the world. In the 250 years since, we have
often struggled to live up to the lofty ideals expressed in our
founding documents. Between now and 2026, the United States will prepare to address this challenge as we plan for the
Semiquincentennial anniversary of our Declaration of Independence.
This moment is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to renew public engagement with history."
In the contest’s second year, students in grades 3-12 may submit artwork or essays to answer the prompt: ‘What does America mean to you?’ for an opportunity to participate in unforgettable field trip experiences to some of the nation's most iconic historical and cultural sites.
Learn how to join the adventure: https://america250.org/fieldtrip
