Explore how the Declaration of Independence was interpreted through the lens of slavery in antebellum America. This webinar examines pro-slavery defenses, abolitionist challenges, and Abraham Lincoln’s use of the text in the fight against slavery. Intended for social studies educators, we’ll unpack how these debates shaped the nation and continue to influence discussions about liberty and equality today.

Our live teacher webinars provide content-rich and interactive professional development through conversation.  We’ll share a reading packet with registrants several weeks before the event and provide space for early discussion between participants.  The documents, pre-seminar conversation, and questions asked in the discussion board are vital to shaping the direction of the panelists' conversation.  Audience members ask questions during the event, comment in the lively chat, and share resources and ideas.

Our online seminars meet monthly on select Saturday mornings from 10.45 am–12 pm ET. Those who remain digitally present for the duration of the conversation will receive an attendance letter from Teaching American History for 1.25 hours of professional development.

Slavery & the Declaration of Independence