47 pages • 1 hour read
Steve SheinkinA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Benjamin Franklin, the eldest member of the Continental Congress, along with John Adams, recognized the pressing need for American independence. Their challenge was to convince 3 million colonists of this cause. In 1776, Thomas Paine, a gifted 37-year-old writer deeply passionate about independence, published “Common Sense,” a persuasive pamphlet advocating separation from Britain and the establishment of a democratic republic. Paine donated all profits from his influential work to support the Continental Army.
King George declared the colonies in rebellion and hired German mercenaries to fight on behalf of the British. By June, Congress was prepared to declare independence, forming a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, with John Adams nominating Thomas Jefferson for the task. Approved on July 4, 1776, the Declaration asserted inalienable rights, accused King George of violating those rights, and announced the colonies’ formation of a new nation. Signatories risked being labeled traitors by Britain, punishable by death, with John Hancock signing first. Copies of the Declaration were sent to Britain, where it faced critique, particularly due to the pro-enslavement status of many signatories.
By Steve Sheinkin
Bomb: The Race to Build—and Steal—the World's Most Dangerous Weapon
Steve Sheinkin
Lincoln's Grave Robbers
Steve Sheinkin
Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War
Steve Sheinkin
The Notorious Benedict Arnold
Steve Sheinkin
The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights
Steve Sheinkin
Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School Football Team
Steve Sheinkin
American Revolution
View Collection
Books on U.S. History
View Collection
Colonialism & Postcolonialism
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Creative Nonfiction
View Collection
Jewish American Literature
View Collection
Juvenile Literature
View Collection
Memorial Day Reads
View Collection
Military Reads
View Collection
Nation & Nationalism
View Collection
War
View Collection