1776: The Declaration of Independence is signed by fifty-six leaders of the American Revolution.

Today: The Declaration of Independence is still used as an inspiration for oppressed people all over the world.

1776: Wheatley lives her life in relative obscurity, unable to find a publisher for her second volume of poetry.

Today: Wheatley is revered for breaking some of the barriers of racism. In 1998, a hand-written copy of her poem "Ocean" is bought at auction for $68,000.

1776: On Christmas night, Washington leads his troops in boats across the Delaware River in a surprise attack against British troops at Trenton, New Jersey.

Today: Washington is remembered as a superb military tactician.

1776: To finance the Revolution, the Continental Congress establishes a nationwide lottery.

Today: State lotteries become a hot trend in the 1980s and 1990s, growing into multi-state games that can reach over a hundred million dollars for a...