The Declaration of Independence stands first in a series of documents that founded the United States. It also stands as an early step in the long process of establishing a free, independent, and self-governing nation. Since 1776, more than 100 nation-states and freedom organizations have used the Declaration of Independence as a model for their own declarations and proclamations of independence. Given the Declaration of Independence’s important place in the hearts and minds of peoples around the world, we need to go behind its parchment and explore just how the Declaration of Independence came to be. In this preview episode of the Doing History: To the Revolution! Series, we explore how the Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. Show Notes:https://www.benfranklinsworld.com/141   About the Series The mission of episodes in the Doing History: To the Revolution series is to ask not just “what is the history of the American Revolution?” but “what are the histories of the American Revolution?” Episodes in this series will air beginning in September 2017. The Doing History series explores early American history and how historians work. It's produced by the Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture. Be sure to check out Doing History season 1, Doing History: How Historians Work.   Sponsor Links Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture Doing History: To the Revolution! series OI Reader App   Complementary Episodes Episode 007: John Adams & the Adams Papers Documentary Editing Project Episode 018: Danielle Allen, Our Declaration Episode 062: Carol Berkin, The Bill of Rights Episode 086: George Goodwin, Benjamin Franklin in London Episode 096: Nicholas Guyatt, The Origins of Racial Segregation in the United States Episode 107: Mary Sarah Bilder, Madison’s Hand Episode 117: Annette Gordon-Reed, The Life and Ideas of Thomas Jefferson Episode 119: Steve Pincus, The Heart of the Declaration   Helpful Show Links Ben Franklin's World Facebook Page Join the Ben Franklin's World Community Sign-up for the Franklin Gazette Newsletter Ben Franklin's World iOS App Ben Franklin's World Android App