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Hi there! I am Studyfin. Let's learn how to find clues in old papers!
On July 4, 1776, leaders of the thirteen American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote most of it. It told King George III of Great Britain that the colonies were now free and independent states, and it declared that all people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. To learn more about it, we gather facts from different sources.
A source is anything that gives us information. A primary source is from that actual time in history. An old letter or the real signed paper are great examples.
A secondary source is written later by people who were not there. Your history textbook is a secondary source. We use both kinds of sources to get the full story.
Let's practice our thinking skills! Imagine you need to find out why the colonists wrote the Declaration. You have three sources: an old letter from a colonist, a modern history book, and a painting made 100 years later. How do you gather the best facts?
- First, look at the old letter. This is a primary source. It tells us what a real person felt at that time.
- Next, read the history book. This secondary source explains the big picture and gives helpful dates.
- Then, look at the painting. It shows how people later remembered the event, but some details might be made up.
- Finally, compare the facts. The letter and book both say the colonists wanted freedom from the King. Now you have strong proof!
