Writing the Declaration of Independence

SS.4.1West Virginia Social Studies Standards · All ages

Identify, explain, and critique commonly held American democratic values, principles, and beliefs (e.g., diversity, family values, community service, justice, liberty, etc.) through established documents (e.g., Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc.).

SS.4.14West Virginia Social Studies Standards · All ages

Demonstrate an understanding of the conflict between the American colonies and England that led to the Revolutionary War. • Explain the political and economic factors leading to the American Revolution (e.g., the French and Indian War; British colonial policies, and American colonists’ early resistance, etc.). • Explain the major ideas reflected in the Declaration of Independence. • Summarize the roles of the principal American, British and European leaders involved in the conflict (e.g., King George III, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, and Marquis de Lafayette, etc.). • Explain the contributions of Native Americans, the French and Dutch during the Revolutionary War, and list the contributions of women and African Americans during and after the American Revolution.