We remember the Declaration’s first paragraph and forget its last—the one where thirteen separate states declare themselves free and independent. Larsen Plyler on a legacy that got lost.

The original 13 British colonies that made up the early United States had very different populations with decidedly different political and social outlooks.

The original 13 British colonies that made up the early United States had very different populations with decidedly different political and social outlooks.

The standard explanation for the Constitutional Convention was that the Articles of Confederation were a failure. However, the Articles actually worked the way they were supposed to work. Unfortunately, the advocates of a strong central government ultimately got their way.

The standard explanation for the Constitutional Convention was that the Articles of Confederation were a failure. However, the Articles actually worked the way they were supposed to work. Unfortunately, the advocates of a strong central government ultimately got their way.

The annexation of Texas was a preview of future foreign policy.

The annexation of Texas was a preview of future foreign policy.

Depending upon the narrative, American Indians were either noble creatures who were victims of a genocide by rapacious European settlers or were bloodthirsty savages. The truth is more nuanced.

Depending upon the narrative, American Indians were either noble creatures who were victims of a genocide by rapacious European settlers or were bloodthirsty savages. The truth is more nuanced.