In the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, Americans used carefully drafted texts and speeches to rally fellow colonists for the cause of freedom and independence. After the War, American writers tackled the task of describing their new nation, identifying what made it unique among the countries of the world and—by implication—what made Americans . . . Americans.

This lesson will help you review the key authors, events, and themes associated with the actual founding of the United States of America while helping you to prepare for the module exam.