The Declaration of Independence: The Struggle for Equality DBQ illustrates how a teacher may incorporate several documents from the “Preserving American Freedom” project to focus on one theme (the struggle for equality). The struggle for equality is a continuous, yet changing, fight for various groups within United States History. The Declaration of Independence: The Struggle for Equality DBQ is structured to challenge a student’s overall knowledge of American History; it is best suited for the end of the semester or school year. The intention of the DBQ is to trace the struggle many Americans faced in achieving Thomas Jefferson’s ideal “that all Men are created equal.” A thorough answer would require a student to analyze several documents, as well as recall the historical context of the various periods.   

Preserving American Freedom has several pertinent themes running through the documents selected to suit any curriculum, lesson, or textbook chapter. Themes, such as liberty, consent of the governed, freedom of religion, civil rights, economic rights, suffrage, as well as several other American ideals. Reading the documents by section or individually will offer the teacher ample material to meet any need.  The Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society DBQ is best suited as a companion piece to a lesson on the Abolitionist Movement or slavery.