Books in Documents That Shaped America series

The Magna Carta was an astonishing document in its time. As the first document to limit the power of the British monarchy, it also protected the rights of the individual. The Magna Carta's impact reverberated throughout history and was on the minds of the American colonists as they prepared to fight England. They believed that their rights, established by the Magna Carta, had been stripped from them by their mother country. This book explains what was happening in England in 1215 when the Magna Carta was forced into the hands of King John. Readers will come to understand how the Magna Carta is still relevant to our nation and world.

If people ever doubt that the printed word can change the world, they should look to Common Sense, the pamphlet penned by Thomas Paine. Just paper and ink helped persuade American colonists that independence from England was imperative. The powerful piece is examined in this book in the context of the turbulent era in which it was written. Readers are provided a close look at the time period through relevant images and invited to imagine whether they, too, would have joined the cause of the Americans.

Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence was the eloquent, concise, and persuasive piece around which the American colonies rallied during the American Revolution. Jefferson listed the many grievances the colonists had with the British crown and stated it was natural for the colonies to break away. Readers will examine this document and trace the origins of the ideas found within. They'll learn what was happening in the colonies as the Second Continental Congress debated their next move in the war with England. This book provides a thoughtful look at perhaps the most celebrated document of our nation.

Many people don't know that the US Constitution isn't the first American constitution. The Articles of Confederation was the document that united the newly created states in 1781. Not everything went smoothly in the early days of our country. Readers will find out the events that led to the replacement of this constitution. They'll learn its strengths, weaknesses, and why the US Constitution may have been the country's last hope of staying united.

Though just 200 words, the Mayflower Compact had a profound impact on the lives of a small group of settlers and the colony they would establish. This historic document kept a struggling group of Pilgrims together during a difficult time in their journey from England to the founding of Plymouth in 1620. Readers will learn what this document said, why it's considered to be so important, and about questions surrounding its intent. Images of the events throughout the book help illustrate and highlight the trials and triumphs of the Pilgrims.

Though the shortest single-document constitution in the world, the US Constitution has bound our nation together since 1789. The Constitution and the term "constitutional" are bandied about in the media a lot, but many people don't even know what's in the document. Readers of this book will discover its content, article by article, as well as look at the Bills of Rights and other amendments. Fun facts enliven the text, and sidebars delve into lesser-known constitutional issues.