Contents
Introduction

Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
Constitution
Cultural Impact

Appendices
Endnotes
Bibliography

A Multitude of Amendments, Alterations and Additions

Assembly Room, Independence NHP

The Writing and Publicizing of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States Ann Marie Dube Associate Curator Independence National Historical Park May 1996

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

CULTURAL IMPACT: NINETEENTH CENTURY EVOLUTION OF THE FOUNDING DOCUMENTS AS SYMBOLS

APPENDICES

ENDNOTES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION

It is the production of four months deliberation. It is now a Child of fortune, to be fostered by some and buffeted by others.(1)

During the eighteenth century, America's founding documents provided the framework for a unique form of government; today, these documents continue to influence and inspire people around the world. The founding documents, as objects, play a significant role in the development of American nationalism during the nineteenth and twentieth century. Individuals today identify with the visual representation of the ideas espoused by the founding fathers as well as the ideas embodied in the documents.

Does the textual evolution of these documents reflect their continuing importance as cultural icons? The textual evolution of these documents is best understood in relation to the events surrounding their creation, so an historical account of the development of the founding documents will form the majority of this study. The second portion will evaluate the cultural impact of these founding documents on the lives of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Americans.

 

APPENDICES

A. Extant copies of the Dunlap Broadside

B. Scientific Study of the Physical Components of the Dunlap Broadside

C. Newspaper Publications of the Declaration of Independence Prior to 19 July 1776

D. Extant Copies of the Goddard Broadside

E. Extant Copies of the Stone Facsimile

F. Extant Printed Copies of the Articles of Confederation

G. Extant Handwritten Documents Produced during the Constitution Convention - Prior to the first Printing

H. Printed copies of the Constitution and their Association to Convention Delegates

I. Founding Documents and their various editions in the Collection of Independence National Historical Park

Last Modified: Fri, Jan 17 2003 07:08:48 am PDT
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