Freedom and Equality
The meaning of freedom is as multifaceted, contentious, and ever-changing as America itself. As Foner reminds us, American freedom was born in revolution. 2 Out of this revolution came the Declaration of Independence, the vision statement of our country. "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." For young student to begin to understand these grand principles of our country, it is essential to give them time to explore them in a concrete manner. Sharing documents and paintings that show the founding fathers, their work, and the era they lived in gives students an opportunity to begin authentic questions. Who are they? What are they doing? Who wrote all these words and what are they? The discussion of freedom and equality will begin and the history of our symbols will offer a basis for the understanding to grow.
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