EARLY AMERICA:
REVOLUTION to REPUBLIC

Pre-1763 to 1815

Website Project - History 425 - Spring 1999

INTRODUCTION

Myriad are the resource materials in print and online which afford one the opportunity to examine the earliest years of the American Republic.

This website, undertaken as a project by the students of History 425 during the Spring 1999 Semester, is an attempt to present a sample catalogue of the areas of research and the resources available. We trust that it will provide some very significant information in itself and, as with all websites, will provide a "launch pad" for further exploration.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL EARLY AMERICAN RESOURCES | LINKS TO LINKS | ORGANIZATIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

JOURNALS/PUBLICATIONS | HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS/TEXTS

PRE 1763 | 1763-1775 | 1775-1786

1787-1800 | 1801-1815

GENERAL EARLY AMERICAN RESOURCES

• The Internet Public Library
  This is the first online library on the web; it offers a wide range of resources and important information.
• Charter of Privileges Granted by William Penn, Esq. to the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania and Territories, October 28, 1701
  This site provides exactly what the title says: The basic rule for the Inhabitants of Pennsylvania.
  

• Prelude to Revolution
  Site provides general information concerning American history from 1763-1775. It highlights and defines the significant events during this time period. Although it is more appropriate for high school students, the site can provide useful information to college students.

• American Oratory
  Northwestern University Collection of Major American Speeches and related documents.
• "American History Online"
  "American History Online" is an excellent site for general Early American History resources. This site contains: "downloadable maps, primary sources, and reference links." Also listed is information about the authors, which will indicate the scholarship of the material.
• British Songs of the Revolution
  A great site featuring songs and poems of Britain during the Revolution.
• "The Avalon Project at the Yale Law School."
  From Yale Law School, an exceptionally fine source of information, this site has numerous documents from pre-18th, 18th, 19th, and 20th century documents that are of significance in historical research.
• White House Publications
  This site provides access to historical documents such as the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and more.
• General information about Nathan Hale
  Background information on Nathan Hale and how he was arrested and killed by the British.
• Colonial American Discussion Port
  A site devoted to light hearted discussion about Colonial america. Speak your mind!
• James Madison
  A significant Madison resource. Learn more about the 4th President of the United States, from youth to retirement.
• The Betsy Ross Homepage
  Site offers information on the legend of Betsy Ross and the American Flag.
• Women During the American Revolution
  This site has information on the contributions of women during the Revolutionary War.
• The United States Supreme Court
  The Oyez Project at Northwestern University. A multimedia database on the Supreme Court. Information on Cases, Justices, and The Court.
• "The Political Graveyard"
  Known as "The Web Site That Tells Where The Dead Politicians Are Buried". This site provides a unique and interesting look at American political history from the 1700's to the 1990's.
• Maps of the Revolutionary Period
  The Rare Map Collection of the University of Georgia. Authentic maps of Revolutionary America.
• History of Colonial Newspapers
  A history of colonial newspapers by R. J. Brown.
• America at War
  Interesting collection of materials on the United States military engagements from the Revolution to World War II.
  The Six Nations
  History of the Iroquois Confederacy. Overview and Significant Treaties. Interesting audio background.

LINKS TO LINKS

• Revwar Links
  It provides valuable and numerous links for a variety of topics concerning the Revolutionary War.

• American and British History Resources on the Internet
  This site provides a wide range of information on American and British history in this period.
• King Charles II - The Merry Monarch
  This site provides a timeline of some key events during Charles II's reign. It also allows you to link to other monarchs from Henry V to William III and Mary II.
  
• "A Hypertext on American History."
  The source of this website is from a number of USIA-publications. This site contains many links to documents, essays, biographies, and Presidents. It is a great source for hypertext-links to relevant information throughout this period.
• Revolutionary War Links
  A site featuring links to several other sites dealing with the Revolutionary War.
• Early American Resources
  Sites related to the study of Early American literature, history, and cultures
• Society Of Early Americanists-Resources
  Excellent collection of resource links to early American studies and related topics.
• Colonial American Links
  Sites related to popular colonial people and places.
• Revolution Links
  This site contains over 60 links concerning the American Revolution. Includes maps, images, and other educational sites.
• Revolutionary War Links
  Provides information and links to sites about the American Revolutionary War.(Note - You don't have to give your name)
• Ben Franklin Links
  About 30 links to various Ben Franklin sites. Includes autobiographies, essays, portraits, a documentary history, and his last will and testament.
• Links to George Washington
  Numerous sites on the subject of George Washington from his birthplace to his First Inaugural Address.
• Alexander Hamilton
  Links to a variety of sites including writings by and background information on Alexander Hamilton.
• Links to historical organizations, Journals, websites, etc.Contains hundreds of links to various Historical Sites (not limited to Colonial America)
• Colonial North America 1492-1763
  This site provides general information on Colonial North America Pre-1763
• Links To Colonial American Resources
  A site that has links to other general Colonial American sites.
• Horus History Links
  A mega-site maintained at the University of California (Riverside)providing access to over 60 topic areas with well over 3000 web history links.

ORGANIZATIONS/ASSOCIATIONS

• Organization of American Historians
  This is the official site of the OAH which promotes teaching and scholarship about the history of the United States.
• National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
  This site is the National home page for the Sons of the American Revolution. It provides links to the latest news. Links can also be made to the state organizations.
  
• Sons of Liberty
  A site that shows the flag of the Sons of Liberty, the notorious and rebellious organization during the Revolutionary War; provides a brief overview of the group.
• Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture
  An excellent organization for early American resources; considered to be the premier resource center for this period; located at the College of William and Mary.
• Declaration Foundation
  Contains major documents from 1215 to 1776.It also provides speeches, commentary and links.
• Connecticut, Sons of the American Revolution
  This is the official Home Page of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the Revolution.
• American Historical Association
  Official site of the AHA. Contains a catalog of their publications, articles from their newsletter, plus links to related sites.
• The Smithsonian Institution
  One of the more interesting and truly prestigious research resources in the United States.
• Center for History and New Media
  Located at George Mason University, the Center offers directories, journals, sources, and professional discusions on historical research and technology.
• Society Of Early Americanists
  Society and resources devoted to early American studies and related topics. Interdisciplinary organization.

JOURNALS/PUBLICATIONS

• From Interposition to Nullification: Peripheries and Center in the Thought of James Madison
  Essay examines Madison's change in political behavior. It also mentions the Virginia Plan, Publius project, Virginia Resolutions, and Nullification Controversy. This article is from the University of Virginia's "Essays in History."

• The Journal of American History
  One of the premier history journals in the country.
• "The Early American Review."
  This site, maintained by DEV Communications, Inc. is a good page to find journals and other events of 18th century America. It provides detailed information on each topic; has crossword puzzles to test one's knowledge.
• A Century of Lawmaking For a New Nation
  Offers U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates from 1774 to 1873.
• Pages from the Past
  Three editons of significant newspapers from the colonial era. Includes original text from Ben Franklin's Pennsylvania Gazette,The Boston Gazette, and the Massachusetts Centinel
• "Are The Federalist Papers Still Relevant?"
  Interesting article by Kathleen M. Sullivan from New Federalist Papers
• "The Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence"
  Rather extensive analysis of the Declaration by Professor Stephen E. Lucas of the University of Wisconsin at Madison - Communication Arts Department.
• "The History of the Declaration"
  An overview of the history of the Declaration of Independence - the document - from 1776 to the present day. Produced by NARA staff.
• "Interpreting The Declaration of Independence By Translation"
  Essays discussing how the Declaration of Independence has been translated in different places and at different times. A JAH Roundtable Discussion.

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS/TEXTS

• Treaty of Ghent 1814
  Also provides the 1814 Treaty of Ghent and a brief explanation. The Avalon Project.
• "The American Crisis" by Thomas Paine: December 1776
  This is a very interesting document that gives reasons why the Colonists must fight the British for their freedom
• John Adams Special Message to the Senate and the House, May 16, 1797
  This document is President Adams' speech to the House and Senate about our problems with France; this includes the XYZ Affair and the QuasiWar with France.
• Declaration and Resolves of the First Continental Congress: October 14, 1774
  This site provides transcript of the document adopted by the First Continental Congress and sent to England.
• King George III, Letter on the loss of America
  This site provides a letter that King George III wrote expressing his thoughts on the loss of the colonies.
  
• "The Constitution of the United States of America."
  This site contains both an analysis and an interpretation of the Constitution, also provides annotations of cases decided by the Supreme Court of the U.S. This site was prepared by the Congressional Research Service Library of Congress.
• "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms."
  This site contains the "Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms," which was written by Jefferson on July 6, 1775. This site is located at the University of Oklahoma Law Center.
• Virginia Declaration of Rights
  A transcript of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, a precursor to the Declaration of Independence, passed on June 12, 1776 in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
• Annapolis Convention
  The proceedings of the Annapolis Convention, called to discuss the turmoil of the country as a result of weak commercial policy under the Articles of Confederation.
• Treaty of Greenville (1795)
  Provides the 1795 Treaty of Greenville between the new U.S. government and the Delaware, the Shawnees, and other Native American tribes.
• The Federalist Papers
  Access the Federalist Papers; significant in the Constitution ratification debates in New York.

• The Louisiana Purchase Treaty (1803)
  In the treaty, France sold the area between Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains to U.S. The purchase gave U.S. full control of Mississippi Valley. Site also includes two conventions between U.S. and France.

• The Louisiana Purchase
  From the NARA Collection. Provisions by which the Louisiana Territory was bought by the United States from the French Republic.
• The Treaty of Paris - 1783
  The Treaty of Paris is the most overlooked document in American History. It is this document, and not the Declaration of Independence, that truly recognized America's freedom.
• Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" Speech
  The speech that spoke out against the Stamp Acts and suggested solutions to the problem. Possibly the most important speech for American emancipation.
• Virginia Stamp Act Resolutions
  Patrick Henry proposed seven resolutions to the House of Burgesses against the Stamp Act. Although five of the resolutions were accepted initially, only four were adopted.

PRE 1763

• The First Ten Newspapers in America
  Site describes the first ten newspapers in the colonies. It includes factual information for each such as where the newspaper was published, when it started, and who edited it.

• Penn and the Indians
  Discusses the relationship between William Penn, the English Quaker leader and founder of Pennsylvania, and the American Indians. It includes his relationship with the Delaware, and how he purchased land.

• The Albany Plan of Union (1754)
  Developed during the French and Indian War; contained 23 points. It called for the Crown to appoint a President-General and the lower houses of each colony to elect the Grand Council for three-year terms. It also included provisions for the Union to have power to raise soldiers, build forts, levy taxes, and buy land from Indians. However, every colony ended up rejecting the Albany Plan.

• Benjamin Franklin: His Autobiography 1705-1757
  This has fine information about Franklin's rise from poverty to great status.
• English Colonial Era 1700 to 1763
  Outline from 1700 to 1763 dealing with significant events in the early history of Colonies.
  
• "Religion and the Founding of the American Republic."
  There is a vast amount of information on this site concerning religion at the time of the early American Republic. This scholarly site, from the Library of Congress, has easy access to many issues of religion of the time, which was one of the main reasons for the founding of America.
• Massachusetts Bay Charter of 1629
  A brief note on the Massachusetts Bay Charter of 1629.
• Native American Resources
  An index of Native American sites on the Internet.
• A Biography of Alexander Hamilton
  Extensive biographical notes on Alexander Hamilton.
• William Pitt
  A Biography of William Pitt. Written in the "Mother Country".
• Scalping in the Colonies
  Fascinating article on the subject of scalping by the Indians in the early colonies.
• French and Indian War
  A good site with information on the French and Indian War
• The Battle of Sainte Foy
  A secondary source explaining what happened in the Battle of St. Foy. The Battle of St. Foy was a significant battle which took place in the French and Indian War.

1763-1775

• Resolutions of the Stamp Act Congress
  Document sent to King George III and Parliament. The Congress asked for the repeal of the Stamp Act and the Acts of 1764 and stated that only colonial legislatures could tax the people of the colonies.

• Boston Tea Party: Eyewitness Account by a Participant
  George Hewes described his role in the "tea party". He explains how those colonists who participated dressed in Indian costumes, painted their faces, and destroyed British tea. He also comments on those who did not participate.

• The Battle of Bunker Hill
  This site provides very good information about the Battle of Bunker Hill.
• A Royal Marine's account of The Battle of Bunker Hill
  The Battle of Bunker Hill from the view of a Royal Marine in His Majesty's army.
• One For Each Thousand: A Portrait of Five Black Patriots
  This site provides a few examples of the heroic African Americans that fought in the Revolutionary War.
• The 1768 Cloathing Warrant
  Regulations for the color and clothing of British soldiers in 1768.
• "Samuel Adams, the Rights of the Colonists."
  Produced by Hanover College, this particular page gives the reader a report of the Committee of Correspondence to the Boston Town Meeting, Nov. 20, 1772. It is a primary source. (contains the original document).
• "William Pitt's Defense of the American Colonies."
  Authored by the University of Groningen, this page has a copy of William Pitt's famous speech against the Stamp Act. "I rejoice that America has resisted."
• The Stamp Act
  A brief summary of the Stamp Act passed by Parliament in 1765.
• The Royal Proclamation of 1763
  The complete text of the document whereby the lands in America were to be administered after the French and Indian War.
• Pontiac's Rebellion
  After the French and Indian War the British had access to more land which encouraged westward expansion by the colonials and resistance to this by Native Americans especially Chief Pontiac.
• Boston Massacre
  A short synopsis of this event in which hostile American colonists were killed by British solders; served a key role in helping colonists propagandize for Revolution.
• Account of the Boston Massacre, according to Captain Thomas Preston
  A British eyewitness account of one of colonial history's more infamous events.
• John Hancock Speaks of the Boston Massacre
  This is a well known and radical speech given by John Hancock on the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1774, the fourth anniversary of the event.
• Intolerable Acts
  General site dealing with the Revolution; specifically The Intolerable Acts.

1775-1786

• "Plain Truth"
  Written by Loyalist James Chalmers. It is an abridged version of the reaction against Thomas Paine's "Common Sense." Chalmers defended and passionately supported Britain, and he insisted on a reconciliation with Britain saying it would be to America's advantage.

• Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents
  A chronology of events which led to the drafting of and passage of the Declaration of Independence.
• The Battle of Brandywine: Set Back for the Continental Army
  This essay is about the important Battle of Brandywine Creek(PA) September 1777.
• The Hutchinson Letters Affair
  Short account of the Hutchinson Letters Affair.
• Account of a Declaration
  This site provides background information about the men who wrote the Declaration of Independence as well as those who were at the First and Second Continental Congresses.
• "The American Revolution."
  This site has information on numerous acts and events e.g.The Stamp Act, The Boston Massacre, Battle of Bunker Hill, The Treaty of Paris, etc. From 1754 to 1783. This website contains most of the major issues which occured during the era.
• "Historic Valley Forge."
  This site has everything one needs to know about Valley Forge. There are numerous headings to explore. From the weather report at Valley Forge, 1775-82, to lists of famous people who served in the battle, it's all here! The information is detailed, accurate, and easy to find.
• Where is King George's Head?
  An article on the Bowling Green, NY statue of King George that was destroyed by revolutionaries. Very illustrative and interesting!
• Battle of Yorktown
  The offical Williamburg website page on the Battle of Yorktown; history of Yorktown also.
• The Battle of Concord
  This site provides information about the Battle of Concord.
• The Articles of Capitulation, Yorktown
  These were signed by Lord Cornwallis to end the Revolutionary War and begin peace negotiations.
• A Journal of a Hessian Soldier.
  The Journal of Captain Georg Pausch from September 1776 until May of 1777.
• The Northwest Ordinance
  An ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the Ohio River. Original documentation from the Columbian Magazine included.
• The Non-Importation Agreement
  One of the earliest actions (1783) against the importation of British goods. Read the original document.
• The Olive Branch Petition
  The final effort of the American Colonists to to have their differences with Britain settled amicably.
• 1777 British Campaign of the Revolutionary War
  Major General John Burgoyne and his troops, traced through the year 1777. Accounts of several battles are included.
• Declaring Independence: Drafting the Documents
  The site offers information on the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.
• Battle of Saratoga
  This site provides information on the Battle of Saratoga in which the colonials defeated the British.

1787-1800

• George Washington: First Inaugural Address in the City of New York
  He spoke of a President's duty, the fifth article of the Constitution, and the preeminence of free government.

• John Adams: Inaugural Address in the City of Philadelphia
  He provided a brief summary of the major historical events in U.S. and expressed his ardent support of the Constitution.

• "James Madison: Godfather of the Constitution"
  Current essay that discusses the debate among historians concerning Madison as "Father of the Constitution." The author sees Madison as "Godfather of the Constitution" since he was first-among-equals, the driving force, and the man with the best ideas.

• Historical Maps of the United States: Settlement and Exploration 1675-1800
  This map provides a good overview of how far the Colonists settled up until 1800.
• Journal of William Maclay, United States Senator from Pennsylvania, 1789-1791
  Since Senate debates were closed to the public at this time William Maclay's diary is one of the best accounts of the happenings in the Senate at that time.
• Ben Franklin, Statesman
  A very short biography of Ben Franklin.
• The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
  Timeline of Benjamin Franklin's life and his many accomplishments.
• The Constitution of the United States of America
  Description of events leading to the Constitution and Bill of Rights; site includes both documents.
• "Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789."
  This site gives detailed information on various aspects of the Constitution and the Continental Congress. The site is authored by the Library of Congress.
• "Constitution Page"
  This site contains the Federalist Papers, the idea of Separation of Church and State, the Bill of Rights, the Founding Fathers, and an article about the Constitutional Congress. Although this site reflects the personal ideas and opinions of its author, it is a good source of basic information.
• "The Origins of the U.S. Constitution and the Power of the People."
  This site gives a summary of the origins of our Constitution. It describes its drafting and the power of the people under the Constitution. This site clearly reflects the author's personal interpretation.
• Washington's Second Inaugural Address
  A transcript of Washington's brief inaugural address given on March 4, 1793.
• John Adams' and the XYZ Affair
  John Adams reacts to the XYZ Affair. March 4, 1793. Speech to Congress.
• The Papers of James Madison - The Constitutional Convention
  Features Madison's notes from the 1787 Philadelphia Convention.
• Monticello:The Home Of Thomas Jefferson
  A site dedicated to the home of Thomas Jefferson; site also includes discussion of the Jefferson-Hemings DNA testing.
• "The First Twelve Amendments to the Constitution".
  These are the first 12 Amendments submitted to Congress.Ten of the 12 passed and became known as the Bill of Rights.
• The Whiskey Rebellion
  Angered by an excise tax, farmers from western Pennsylvania rebel against tax collectors. A summary of the event and original documents are included.
• George Washington's Letter of Transmittal of the Constitution of 1787
  Letter of the President of the Federal Convention (Washington) to the President of (Articles of Confederation)Congress, transmitting the Federal Constitution. Original text.
• Jay Treaty
  This is a full copy of the Jay Treaty. The Avalon Project.
• Articles of Confederation
  A copy of the Articles of Confederation: the first "constitution".
• Biography of John Jay
  A detailed biography of John Jay, First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

1801-1815

• The Papers of Thomas Jefferson
  The Jefferson Collection at the Library of Congress. The Jefferson Papers are about 27,000 items divided into nine series and covering over two hundred years of history, from 1606 to 1828.
• James Madison
  This article provides personal background about the 4th President.
• Biography of James Madison
  This site provides a detailed biography of President James Madison.

• Along the Trail with Lewis and Clark
  Journal passages of Merriwether Lewis, William Clark, and Sacajawea for October, November, and December of 1805. They explained their exploration through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

• Lewis and Clark: Inside the Corps- Circa 1803
  This article gives information on the planning of the Lewis and Clark journey.
• Lewis and Clark Expedition
  A history of the Lewis and Clark expedition; very detailed examination of the event.
• Biography of Alexander Hamilton
  A detailed biography of Alexander Hamilton, First Secretary of the Treasury.
• "Autobiography by Thomas Jefferson."
  This site contains a forty page autobiography of Thomas Jefferson; extremely detailed and a reliable source of information.
• History of the Capitol Building
  Site highlighting the building of the Capitol building, includes who was against it and for it and other related material.
• The War Of 1812
  Site that has everything one needs to know about the War of 1812.
• The Treaty of the Louisiana Purchase
  An explanation and text of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty - 1803.
• Ashland:The Henry Clay Estate,Lexington,KY
  Provides interesting information and links about Henry Clay.
• The Hartford Convention
  The New England Colonies led by Federalists opposed the War of 1812; meeting held to discuss their grievances.
• The Trial of Aaron Burr
  This site provides detailed information on the treason trial of Aaron Burr and how it came about.
• War of 1812
  Diverse body of information on the War of 1812. Very comprehensive overview.
• The War Of 1812
  Site provides a synopsis of the War, its causes, its results. Student production with sound bibliography.
• The Marshall Supreme Court
  Biographical notes on Chief Justice John Marshall and Court decisions in Marbury vs. Madison, McCulloch vs. Maryland, the Dartmouth College Case, Cohens vs. Virginia, Gibbons vs. Ogden, and the Cherokee Nation Case.

Editor's Notes:

Site built, edited, and maintained by Howard B. Fedrick

Site research and content provided by students of History 425 - Spring 1999

Elizabeth Bareford, Jeremy Blum, Sean Carey, Austin Clarke

Kevin Katz, David Lampman, Gary Marcin,

Kristine Plankey, Tom Torbik, Maria Ulicny

E-Mail to Howard B. Fedrick

Last Updated December 1, 1999